Only a Minor Second

Avatar Author: g²LaPianistaIrlandesa Like my stuff? Hate my stuff? Thoughts, questions, any verbal communication? Leave me a comment, send me a note, let me know what you think! Although, if you're in the "hate" catagory, you must have some kind of reason. ... Read Bio

Mjr. Third, finally having a moment to himself, pulled his harmonica from his pocket. He regarded it a moment with a smile, then began to play the vocal line of a favorite showtune. Occasionally he’d pause to whisper the words to himself, “Ma- ri -a…” He relished this interval; of course it was forbidden in his company, but if he played it in private none would be the wiser.

Or so he thought.

Just as he was about to resolve the chord, an awful whine pierced the air. Whipping around, Third caught sight of an elvish creature up in the rafters, accordion in hand.

“Oh, hello!” the creature called, stopping his racket for a moment. “Lovely day, isn’t it?” He played a bit more, shaking the air with more cacophony.

“What are you doing?!” Third moaned, clasping his hands over his ears.

“What, you don’t like it?” The accordionist tested out a few more notes, to Third’s auditory dismay. “Sounds fine to me. They’re only minor seconds, it’s not like I’m playing my trademark interval or anything.”

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Comments (3 so far!)

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  1. Avatar g²LaPianistaIrlandesa

    Just before anyone gets uptight about it, I’ve to say: I have absolutely nothing against accordionists, in fact I love the accordion. I just couldn’t think of another instrument other than harmonica that was both fairly portable and easily capable of multiple notes that are clashingly close together.

  2. Avatar Tsu D'nehm

    I love that you’ve portrayed the minor second with a slightly impish figure – it’s certainly a very chaotic, discordant and even slightly childish-feeling interval that fits this demonic little character ever so well.
    At the same time, you retrospectively look at the actual stigma of the tritone itself very cleverly – and it’s true, the minor second is probably a more painful note to listen to, especially to the Mjr. who can clearly find a kind of beauty in the forbidden Chord.

    As for accordion use, I certainly can’t see any issue with it – especially seeing as the Kalimba is the only other instrument I can think of that fulfils the requirements that you discussed.

    Absolutely fantastic way to approach the challenge!

  3. Avatar stargazer1960

    A bit convoluted for readers outside of the musician circle.