Meaning of Diminution in Music
In Western music and music theory, **diminution** has several distinct meanings. It can refer to a form of embellishment where a long note is divided into a series of shorter, usually melodic, values. This is also known as "coloration" or "Kolorieren" in German. Diminution can also be a compositional device where a melody, theme, or motif is presented in shorter note values than were previously used. Additionally, diminution can refer to the proportional shortening of the value of individual note shapes in mensural notation, either by coloration or by a sign of proportion. Lastly, in the context of intervals, a minor or perfect interval that is narrowed by a chromatic semitone is referred to as a diminished interval, and the process may be called diminution.
A Renaissance and Baroque ornamentation which consists of the restatement of a melody in which the note values are shortened, usually by half.
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [German] Verkleinerung
- [Italian] diminuzione (f)
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