The Augmented Fourth
This challenge has ended!
Musical Ficlyists amongst us may or may not know that the augmented fourth (or diminished fifth) is sometimes known as “The Devil’s Chord”.
For reasons beyond musical knowledge, or at least my researching ability, a gap of three tones produces the most terrifying and dreadful single sound possibly imaginable (rumour has it that it was even banned by the Church for a while). Or so I’m told. Go on, hit an A and an E-flat on a piano and see for yourself. But do be careful.
So anyway, I challenge you to write me something – anything – that has even the most tenuous and debatable link to this evil chord of ours. Points may or may not be awarded for ingenuity, flair and profficient improvisation.
I give you a one-octave chromatic scale of days to complete your task.
Enjoy (at your own risk).
Challengers
Discussion
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THX 0477
Okay, I really should make a point of reading challenges before reading the stories attached to them. I don’t how much it would have helped, but it couldn’t have hurt. Honestly, I couldn’t even find A and E-flat on a piano.
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g²LaPianistaIrlandesa
And now we wait in ecstatic anticipation.
cue tense tremelo -
Music-Hearted
Tritone! Shudder. I’ll be interested in what comes of this.
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g²LaPianistaIrlandesa
I actually quite like this interval… the interval I can’t stand is a minor second.
And I believe you’re right: I’ve also heard from a number of places that the tritone was banned from liturgical music for a spell.
Neat challenge, I like it muchly.
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PJ (Jae) [[LoA]]
Yay! I love this tone! I have it as my doorbell… hehe
Children run away in fear!
it’s also part of a joke by Bill Bailey who is far and away my favourite comedian! -
Charlie K
Ah yes, the augmented fourth. It’s also known as the tri-tone, just so you know. What am I doing, I need to go write a story for this!
Want to join in the fun? Of course you do!