Definitions of tuning terms

© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo

All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited


Octony


    An Interval Symmetric Set of eight tones with the melodic sequence d c b a b c d e. Octonies are eight-tone Euler Genera.

    The term was coined from Latin, but by coincidence, the Anglo-Greek formative element "-octony" has the meaning of "killing" in such terms as tauroctony, the Mithraic bull-slaying ceremony which represents the reordering of the universe by the god Mithras (Ulansey, 1989).

    [from John Chalmers, Divisions of the Tetrachord]


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