note cluster in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

Meaning of Note Cluster in Music

A **note cluster** in music refers to a combination of musical tones or pitches that are played simultaneously or in close proximity to each other. It is a technique that creates a dense and dissonant sound by using adjacent tones of a scale or chromatic notes. Note clusters are often used to evoke a sense of tension, dissonance, or intensity in music compositions.

The term "note cluster" is sometimes used interchangeably with "tone cluster" or "pitch cluster" However, it's worth noting that "tone cluster" is a more commonly used term.

Note clusters can be found in various genres and styles of music, including contemporary classical music, avant-garde compositions, jazz, and experimental electronic music. Composers such as Henry Cowell and Dane Rudhyar were known for their innovative use of note clusters in their compositions.

Note clusters can be created by playing adjacent keys on a piano or by using various instruments to produce closely spaced pitches. The resulting sound can be dissonant, complex, and highly expressive.

It's important to mention that note clusters are not limited to chords but can also be used in melodic lines or as a textural element in music compositions.

Overall, note clusters are a technique used in music to create a unique and intense sonic experience by combining closely spaced pitches or tones.

An effect (typically on a piano) that is comprised of a dissonant group of notes that are very close together. It is usually performed by striking the piano keys with a fist or forearm. This effect can also be produced by using a strip of wood at the necessary length. This term was coined by Henry Cowell.