Tarities

Tarities is a term used in the field of music to describe the practice of using a single note or chord as the basis for a composition, with variations and ornamentations built around it. The term is derived from the Greek word "taritēs," meaning "to spin" or "to weave," reflecting the intricate and complex structures that can be created from a single note. Tarities is often associated with the music of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, where it was a common technique used by composers such as Guillaume de Machaut and Josquin des Prez.

In tarities, the chosen note or chord serves as the central point around which the composition is built. Variations are created by adding notes above or below the central note, creating intervals and harmonies. These variations can be repeated and combined in various ways to create a complex and intricate musical structure. The use of tarities allows composers to create a sense of unity and coherence in their compositions, while also providing a framework for the exploration of musical ideas.

Tarities is a technique that requires a high degree of skill and musicality on the part of the performer. The ability to create variations and ornamentations around a single note or chord requires a deep understanding of musical structure and harmony. In addition, the use of tarities can create a sense of tension and release in a composition, as the variations build and then resolve around the central note.

Tarities is a technique that has been used by composers throughout history, and continues to be used in contemporary music. Its ability to create a sense of unity and coherence in a composition, while also providing a framework for the exploration of musical ideas, makes it a valuable tool for composers and performers alike.