Definition of Sonido 13
Sonido 13 is a theory of microtonal music created by the Mexican composer Julián Carrillo around 1900 and described by Nicolas Slonimsky as "the field of sounds smaller than the twelve semitones of the tempered scale." Carrillo developed this theory in 1895 while he was experimenting with his violin. Though he became internationally recognized for his system of notation, it was never widely applied. His first composition in demonstration of his theories was Preludio a Colón (1922).
The Western musical convention up to this day divides an octave into twelve different pitches that can be arranged or tempered in different intervals. Carrillo termed his new system Sonido 13, which is Spanish for "Thirteenth Sound" or Sound 13, because it enabled musicians to go beyond the twelve notes that comprise an octave in conventional Western music.
Julián Carrillo wrote: "The thirteenth sound will be the beginning of the end and the point of departure of a new musical generation which will transform everything."
Related terms
Interval (music)
In music theory, an interval is a difference in pitch between two sounds. An interval…
Circle of fifths
In music theory, the circle of fifths (sometimes also cycle of fifths) organizes the…
Minor seventh
In music theory, a minor seventh is one of two musical intervals that span seven staff…
Harmony
In music, harmony is the concept of combining different sounds in order to create new…
22 equal temperament
In music, 22 equal temperament, called 22-TET, 22-EDO, or 22-ET, is the tempered scale…
Chromatic hexachord
In music theory, the chromatic hexachord is the hexachord consisting of a consecutive…
Scale (music)
In music theory, a scale is "any consecutive series of notes that form a progression…
Minor third
In music theory, a minor third is a musical interval that encompasses three half steps…
Euler–Fokker genus
In music theory and tuning, an Euler–Fokker genus (plural: genera), named after Leonhard…
Frequently asked questions
What is Sonido 13?
Sonido 13 is a theory of microtonal music created by the Mexican composer Julián Carrillo around 1900 and described by Nicolas Slonimsky as "the field of sounds smaller than the twelve semitones of the tempered scale." Carrillo developed this theory in 1895…