trappeskala

A trappeskala, literally translated as "staircase scale" in Norwegian, is a colloquial term used to describe a particular melodic or harmonic progression that moves in ascending or descending steps, often creating a sense of building tension or release. It is not a formally defined musical scale in the same way as a major or minor scale, but rather a descriptive phrase referring to a musical passage that outlines or resembles a scale-like contour.

The term can be applied to various musical contexts. For instance, a composer might write a passage where a melody ascends sequentially through a series of closely related pitches, mimicking the climb of a staircase. Similarly, a harmonic progression could feature chords that move in stepwise root motion, creating a similar effect. The specific pitches used in a trappeskala are not restricted to any particular mode or key, but the defining characteristic is the step-by-step movement.

In some instances, a trappeskala might refer to an arpeggiated figure that outlines a chord and then moves to the next chord in a stepwise fashion. The effect can be used to create a feeling of anticipation, excitement, or even unease, depending on the context and the surrounding musical material. While not a technical term found in advanced music theory textbooks, "trappeskala" serves as a useful and evocative descriptor for a common musical device.