'Amir Alzzalam
Šayṭānist
- Messages
- 1,156
- Reaction score
- 350
- Points
- 83
The tritone, often referred to as Diabolus en Musica (the "devil in music") during the Middle Ages, has traversed a fascinating journey through different epochs. In the world of musical intervals, the tritone, represented by the flatted 5th (b5), disrupts the harmonious order of the diatonic scale. Placed strategically between the 4th and 5th degrees of the scale, it serves as a musical paradox—neither entirely consonant nor dissonant.
For individuals with a musical inclination, this interval takes the form of the flattened 5th (b5), exemplified by the tritone C F# C. Situated precisely at the center of the diatonic scale, between the 4th and 5th degrees represented by F and G in the major sequence CDEFGABC (12345678), it assumes a role as a symbolic divider. In a metaphysical context, it signifies the demarcation between the objective and subjective universe—a duality that mirrors the separation of conscious and unconscious realms, akin to the distinction between the World and the Underworld!
After equal temperament (Equal temperament is the name for our system of tuning which divides the octave into twelve equal parts or semi‑tones.) came into more common use, the Tritone started rearing its beautiful head of horns after being kept in the closet for so long. And with the emergence of rock and heavy metal in Musick during the 20th Century, the Tritone has made its meaningful mark.
The opening notes of the eponymous track "Black Sabbath" introduce the listener to the demonic allure of the tritone. The haunting G-G1-C# sequence, resonating with the sinister history of the tritone, aligns with the band's pioneering role in heavy metal music. In this sonic exploration, the tritone becomes more than a musical interval; it becomes a sonic incantation, invoking the rebellious spirit of musical innovation.
Metaphysically, the tritone takes on symbolic significance. Positioned at the center of the diatonic scale, it mirrors the division between the objective and subjective realms, conscious and unconscious thoughts—a sonic representation of the dichotomy in our perception of reality. This duality echoes the profound symbolism of the holy Tetractys.
In alchemical terms, the tritone assumes the role of the "quinta essentia" or quintessence, signifying the transformative force. Much like the nitrogen atom converting sunlight into chlorophyll during photosynthesis, the tritone becomes a conduit for change—a touch of freedom within the musical microcosm.
The alchemical imagery of "the Green Lion Devouring its Tail" further deepens the tritone's mystique. This representation of eternal cyclical renewal aligns with the transformative power attributed to the tritone. In the alchemical pursuit of transmutation, the tritone becomes a metaphorical catalyst—a harmonic elixir for creating new life.
In Qabalistic symbolism, the Devil is intricately linked to the third Sephira on the Tree of Life in the Qabalah, known as Binah (Understanding). This association is established through its connections to the deities Pan, Set, and Saturn (Satan). Binah, representing Saturn on the Tree of Life, serves as the focal point for this alignment. Notably, the Tritone itself became linked to the planet Saturn during medieval times, as Saturn was perceived as the celestial embodiment of the Devil.
An additional layer of symbolism emerges when considering that three whole tones, constituting the Tritone, equate to six semi-tones. The number six holds significance in the context of the mysterious figure of the Devil, notably through the numerical association with 666. Intriguingly, 666 is not only linked to the Devil but also holds dual symbolism as the divine number of the Sun and the occult number of the Hexagram—a magical symbol associated with the Sun in esoteric traditions.
In essence, the tritone transcends its musical identity, metamorphosing into a symbol that bridges the gaps between the conscious and unconscious, the mundane and the mystical. As it resonates within the confines of musical composition, it echoes the profound interconnectedness of various philosophical, alchemical, and natural processes.
For individuals with a musical inclination, this interval takes the form of the flattened 5th (b5), exemplified by the tritone C F# C. Situated precisely at the center of the diatonic scale, between the 4th and 5th degrees represented by F and G in the major sequence CDEFGABC (12345678), it assumes a role as a symbolic divider. In a metaphysical context, it signifies the demarcation between the objective and subjective universe—a duality that mirrors the separation of conscious and unconscious realms, akin to the distinction between the World and the Underworld!
After equal temperament (Equal temperament is the name for our system of tuning which divides the octave into twelve equal parts or semi‑tones.) came into more common use, the Tritone started rearing its beautiful head of horns after being kept in the closet for so long. And with the emergence of rock and heavy metal in Musick during the 20th Century, the Tritone has made its meaningful mark.
The opening notes of the eponymous track "Black Sabbath" introduce the listener to the demonic allure of the tritone. The haunting G-G1-C# sequence, resonating with the sinister history of the tritone, aligns with the band's pioneering role in heavy metal music. In this sonic exploration, the tritone becomes more than a musical interval; it becomes a sonic incantation, invoking the rebellious spirit of musical innovation.
Metaphysically, the tritone takes on symbolic significance. Positioned at the center of the diatonic scale, it mirrors the division between the objective and subjective realms, conscious and unconscious thoughts—a sonic representation of the dichotomy in our perception of reality. This duality echoes the profound symbolism of the holy Tetractys.
In alchemical terms, the tritone assumes the role of the "quinta essentia" or quintessence, signifying the transformative force. Much like the nitrogen atom converting sunlight into chlorophyll during photosynthesis, the tritone becomes a conduit for change—a touch of freedom within the musical microcosm.
The alchemical imagery of "the Green Lion Devouring its Tail" further deepens the tritone's mystique. This representation of eternal cyclical renewal aligns with the transformative power attributed to the tritone. In the alchemical pursuit of transmutation, the tritone becomes a metaphorical catalyst—a harmonic elixir for creating new life.
In Qabalistic symbolism, the Devil is intricately linked to the third Sephira on the Tree of Life in the Qabalah, known as Binah (Understanding). This association is established through its connections to the deities Pan, Set, and Saturn (Satan). Binah, representing Saturn on the Tree of Life, serves as the focal point for this alignment. Notably, the Tritone itself became linked to the planet Saturn during medieval times, as Saturn was perceived as the celestial embodiment of the Devil.
An additional layer of symbolism emerges when considering that three whole tones, constituting the Tritone, equate to six semi-tones. The number six holds significance in the context of the mysterious figure of the Devil, notably through the numerical association with 666. Intriguingly, 666 is not only linked to the Devil but also holds dual symbolism as the divine number of the Sun and the occult number of the Hexagram—a magical symbol associated with the Sun in esoteric traditions.
In essence, the tritone transcends its musical identity, metamorphosing into a symbol that bridges the gaps between the conscious and unconscious, the mundane and the mystical. As it resonates within the confines of musical composition, it echoes the profound interconnectedness of various philosophical, alchemical, and natural processes.
