Helilaad

Helilaad is a term used in music theory, particularly in discussions of tonal music, to refer to the collection of pitches that form the basis of a musical piece or passage. It is closely related to the concept of a scale and a key. A helilaad defines the set of notes that are considered "in" the music, and how they relate to each other, typically with a strong pull towards a central note, the tonic.

The specific pitches and their relationships within a helilaad determine the overall sound and character of the music. For example, the difference between a major helilaad and a minor helilaad is significant, leading to perceptions of brightness or sadness respectively. These helilaads are often organized around specific intervals, such as whole steps and half steps, which create characteristic melodic and harmonic patterns.

Understanding the helilaad of a piece is crucial for analyzing its structure, harmony, and melody. It helps musicians to improvise, compose, and perform music more effectively by providing a framework of expected sounds and resolutions. The concept of helilaad is fundamental to Western classical music and many folk traditions, though other musical cultures may employ different organizational principles for their pitch sets.