Félhang

Félhang is a Hungarian term referring to a specific melodic or harmonic interval in music. It translates directly to "half sound" or "half tone," which corresponds to the Western musical concept of a semitone or half step. This interval is the smallest distance between two notes in most Western tonal music, such as the distance between C and C#, or E and F.

In Hungarian folk music and traditional music theory, félhang plays a crucial role in defining scales and modes. The precise arrangement of félhangs and whole tones (egészhang) determines the character and emotional quality of a musical passage. For instance, a scale with a prominent use of félhangs can sound more melancholic or intense, while a scale with fewer félhangs might feel more open or bright.

The concept of félhang is fundamental to understanding melodic movement and harmonic progressions within the Hungarian musical tradition. It is the building block for larger intervals and is essential for constructing melodies that are characteristic of Hungarian folk music. Composers and musicians who work with Hungarian musical idioms must have a deep understanding of how félhangs are utilized to create specific sonic effects and convey particular moods.