augmentált

Augmentált refers to a musical technique commonly used in classical and contemporary music to alter the pitch of a note by a specific interval, typically a semitone (half-step) or whole tone (whole-step). The term originates from the Latin word *augmentare*, meaning "to increase," reflecting the raising of a note's pitch. This technique is often employed to create tension, modify harmonic progressions, or introduce chromaticism into a piece.

In classical music, augmentation is frequently applied to melodic or harmonic lines to achieve expressive effects. For example, a note may be augmented by a semitone to create a dissonant interval, such as a minor second or tritone, which can evoke emotional intensity. Composers like Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner utilized augmented notes to enhance dramatic tension in their works.

Augmented intervals, such as the augmented fourth (also known as the tritone) or augmented fifth, are also significant in music theory. These intervals are considered dissonant in traditional harmony but are often resolved to create a sense of resolution. In jazz and modern music, augmentation is sometimes used for improvisational purposes, allowing musicians to experiment with altered scales and harmonic progressions.

The technique can be applied to both individual notes and entire chords. For instance, an augmented chord (e.g., a major triad with both the third and fifth raised by a semitone) adds a distinctive sound that is widely used in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and film scores. While augmentation is a deliberate and structured approach to pitch alteration, it should not be confused with microtonal music, which explores finer pitch divisions beyond the standard semitone.