toonikõrgus

Toonikhõrgus refers to a traditional Estonian folk music term that describes the highest pitch attainable by a specific traditional singing voice or instrument. This concept is not about a universally fixed note but rather a relative high point that varies depending on the context, the singer, or the instrument being used. It is a key element in understanding the melodic contours and expressive capabilities of Estonian folk singing styles, particularly those characterized by polyphony and complex vocal ornamentation.

The notion of toonikhõrgus played a role in the performance practice of certain folk music traditions, influencing how melodies were shaped and how singers or instrumentalists demonstrated their vocal or instrumental range. It was often associated with moments of particular intensity or emotion within a song, marking the peak of a melodic phrase. The specific pitch that constituted the toonikhõrgus would have been understood and recognized by practitioners within their local musical community. While not a precisely notated concept in historical folk music, ethnomusicological studies have helped to identify and analyze its significance in the performance and understanding of traditional Estonian music.