sivuttaissävelien

Sivuttaissävelien, also known as lateral tones or sidesteps, are a concept in music theory related to the melodic movement between notes. They describe a specific type of stepwise motion where a note is followed by another note that is a half step away, but then moves back to the original note or a note very close to it, often creating a brief, passing dissonance or a momentary embellishment. This motion is typically short-lived and serves to add color or tension to a melody.

The term "sivuttaissävelien" is Finnish, and while the concept exists in various musical traditions, this specific terminology is less common in mainstream English-language music theory discourse. However, the underlying principle of a brief, chromatic deviation from a diatonic scale is a familiar one. It can be observed in melodic phrasing where a composer might momentarily use a note outside the prevailing scale before returning to a diatonic note. This can create a subtle pull or a momentary surprise for the listener.

Examples of sivuttaissävelien can be found in folk music, classical compositions, and even popular music. It is often used to create expressive melodic lines, to emphasize certain harmonic progressions, or simply to add variety to a melodic contour. The effect of sivuttaissävelien depends heavily on the context, including the tempo, the surrounding harmony, and the overall style of the music. It is a subtle technique that contributes to the richness and nuance of melodic writing.