intervalleniveaus

Intervalleniveaus is a concept in music theory used to describe and compare the levels of intervals between pitches, typically within a given key or scale. The idea treats each interval as having a numeric level that reflects its position in the diatonic scale, abstracted from octave considerations.

In practice, interval levels are assigned by counting the distance in diatonic steps from the lower note to the upper note, usually within one octave. For example, in a C major context, C to E is level 3 (a third), C to G is level 5 (a fifth), and C to C an octave higher is level 8 (an octave). The exact labeling can vary by theory tradition, and some approaches separate the level (the number) from the interval quality (major, minor, perfect, diminished, augmented).

Applications of intervalleniveaus include pedagogy for interval recognition, comparative analysis of melodies and harmonies across keys, and aiding voice-leading where the size of consecutive moves is relevant. By focusing on the numeric level, analysts can compare melodic or harmonic content without committing to a fixed key or starting pitch.

Limitations of this framework include its potential to oversimplify, since many intervals share the same level but differ in qualitative quality. Therefore, intervalleniveaus is usually used together with information about interval quality and direction, to provide a complete description of an intervallic relation.

See also: interval, interval quality, diatonic scale, voice leading. Notes on terminology may vary between authors, and the term intervalleniveaus is not universally standardized.