Intervals are the simplest combinations of two notes. In the theoretical section of music, that is, in solfeggio, they are studied primarily, since in the future more complex chords will be built on their basis. All intervals are divided into consonances - soft-sounding and dissonances - sharp-sounding. It is in the second category that an enlarged quart belongs, or, more simply, a newt. What is it and what properties does the interval have? Let's get it right.
What it is?
So, let's start with such a simple concept as a pure quart. An interval that, unlike a second, a third, a sixth, or a septima, cannot be large or small - it is one, that is, clean. The quinta has the same properties - the interval, which is one ton more than a quart.
A quart is the gap between four notes (hence the name). However, the number of tones in this interval is 2.5. As for the pure fifth, this is the distance between the five notes, but the number of tones in it is equal to 3.5.
If we increase the “tonality” of a quart by half a tone, and, accordingly, reduce this indicator in a quint by the same amount, we get exactly three tones. This is the newt with its uncomplicated name, which accurately reflects its structure. Therefore, an enlarged quart can also be a reduced fifth, but the sound of the interval will be identical. But the spelling is the very defining moment that allows us to judge whether the interval consists of four or five notes.
Tritons in Major
These unique intervals can be found within any key, whether it is major or minor. It is important to know at what steps they are built and under what conditions. Well, before us is natural in C major, and within its framework you need to find a newt. An enlarged quart from the fa will be built here, since this is the fourth step. The top note of the interval will be si, and there will really be three tones between the two sounds. If we want to build a clean quart from the fa, we should press B flat, but this is not included in the rules in C major.
If we build an enlarged quart in harmonic in C major, then in addition to the fourth stage, that is, the notes of the fa, the starting point can also be the lower VI - a flat. The distance from it to re will be equated to three tones.
Tritons in minor
Majors and minors are parallel modes. The second are built on the sixth steps of the first, so the enlarged quarts in them will also sound. Just relative to the minor fret, they will be built on other steps in a row. Let’s, since in the previous paragraph we examined C major, we take parallel in a minor. In a natural minor fret, the triton is built on the VI stage, that is, from the same note of fa, and si becomes its top. If we work in a harmonic minor, where the seventh is elevated, then we need to “dance” from the fourth step - re notes. The top of the interval will be G sharp - the seventh increased.
Triton Circulation
Reversing an interval or chord is moving the bottom sound up. In the case of an enlarged quart, the sound of the interval will not change at all - it will just slightly increase by three tones evenly. However, in writing, a quart will turn into a fifth, since now the interval will extend between five notes. Due to the fact that the upper sound will be lowered, the fifth will be reduced. For an illustrative example, from the same note f we build an enlarged quart - f - si. We turn it over and get a si - fa - quint, but due to the lack of a flat in front of s or a sharp in front of fa, it does not reach a clear sound in 3.5 tones and turns into a triton.
Triton Resolution
We looked at how to build an enlarged quart in C major, and now let's solve it at a more stable interval within this gamut. The path along which the triton of this type will go is indicated in its name "increased", therefore, it will increase. That is, the lower IV stage will go into III - the foundation, and the upper VII - into I - the tonic. A stable interval is formed by notes mi and do (upper) - that is, a small sixth. With the resolution of the triton in the minor, built on the VI stage, a small sextus is also formed. In the case of a reduced fifth, this interval, accordingly, becomes smaller and turns into a large third.
We took the parallel keys in C major and A minor so that there would be no confusion with the signs. So you can quickly understand what the highlight of newts is, what they sound and spell and how they behave relative to the stable steps standing next to them. But they are also in other, more complex keys, located also on unstable VII, IV and “harmonic” steps, forming very interesting and slightly harsh sounds.
Conclusion
It turned out that building a newt is as simple as a “do-re-mi", it is only important to correctly navigate the tonality and know which steps it is worth starting from. The interval is very specific, but required to fully understand the theoretical course of music. It is easiest to understand its essence on the piano - here in the places where the black keys are torn, this mysterious interval is built.