intervalic

Intervalic refers to a musical concept or technique that emphasizes the use of musical intervals. An interval is the distance between two musical notes. In music theory, intervals are classified by their quality (major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished) and their size (second, third, fourth, fifth, etc.).

When music is described as "intervalic," it suggests that the composer or performer is deliberately focusing on the relationships between pitches as defined by these intervals. This can manifest in various ways. Melodies might be constructed using specific intervallic patterns, such as sequences of major thirds or perfect fifths. Harmony could be built around chords whose constituent intervals are prominent or unusual.

The term "intervalic" can also describe a compositional approach where the composer explores the sonic qualities and emotional impact of different intervals. This might involve creating dissonances or consonances based on specific intervallic combinations or using intervals as the primary building blocks for musical structures. In some avant-garde or experimental music, the focus might be on precise control and manipulation of intervallic relationships to create unique sonic textures and experiences. The term is less about a specific genre and more about a way of thinking about and organizing musical sound.