chromatischer

Chromatischer is the comparative form of the German adjective chromatisch, meaning more chromatic. The term appears primarily in German-language writing on music theory, analysis, and performance practice. It is used to label passages, melodies, or harmonies that exhibit a higher degree of chromaticism than a baseline, often through semitone-step motion, chromatic passing tones, altered chords, and voice-leading that borrows notes outside the diatonic scale. Examples include chromatischer line movement or chromatische Progression.

Etymology: chromatischer derives from chromatisch, itself from the Greek root chroma meaning color, via Latin chromaticus, with the suffix -er forming the comparative. In music theory, chromaticism describes movement or harmony that uses notes outside the diatonic scale, in contrast to diatonic practice. The term also connects to discussions of color, where chromatic denotes hue-containing distinctions as opposed to achromatic (colorless) qualities.

Context and usage: In analyses and descriptive writing, chromatischer conveys a greater level of colorization in musical material compared to another section or baseline. The form is primarily encountered in German-language sources; in other languages, corresponding expressions may vary or use different comparative constructions. The underlying concept remains the same: a quantitative or qualitative increase in chromatic elements, whether in melody, harmony, or tonal color.

See also: chromaticism, chromatic scale, diatonic, achromatic, chromatic color.