Group of musical notes NYT

The crossword clue "Group of musical notes" with the answer "CHORD" refers to a combination of three or more musical notes that are played together, usually to create harmony. In music theory, a chord is formed when multiple notes are sounded simultaneously, and these notes are typically related by their pitches, such as a major or minor scale.

The most basic chords include major and minor triads, which consist of three notes, but chords can also have more complex structures, including seventh chords or suspended chords. Chords serve as the foundational building blocks of much of Western music, providing both harmonic support and emotional tone to a piece.

The crossword clue "Group of musical notes" with the answer "SCALE" refers to a sequence of musical notes arranged in ascending or descending order, typically within a specific range of pitches. A scale forms the foundation of much of Western music and is a collection of notes that are spaced in a particular pattern of intervals, such as whole steps and half steps.

The most common scales are the major and minor scales, which consist of seven notes each. Scales are essential for melody and harmony, as they define the tonal framework within which a piece of music is composed. Musicians use scales to help develop technical skill, as well as to create melodies and harmonies that sound cohesive and pleasing.

The crossword clue "Group of musical notes" with the answer "ARPEGGIO" refers to a musical technique where the notes of a chord are played in succession, one after the other, rather than simultaneously. Arpeggios are often used to add texture and movement to a piece of music.

They can be played in ascending or descending order, and the notes are typically related by their harmonic structure, just like a chord. The word "arpeggio" comes from the Italian word "arpeggiare," meaning "to play on a harp," since the technique is reminiscent of how the strings of a harp are plucked one at a time. Arpeggios are widely used across various musical genres, from classical to contemporary music, and are an important part of both solo and accompaniment playing.

The crossword clue "Group of musical notes" with the answer "MOTIF" refers to a short, recurring musical phrase or theme that is used throughout a composition. A motif is typically a distinctive and recognizable sequence of notes that carries thematic significance within a piece of music.

It can be a melody, rhythm, or harmony that is repeated and developed over time, often serving as a building block for larger musical structures. In classical music, motifs are frequently used by composers like Beethoven and Wagner, where they represent ideas, emotions, or even characters. The repetition and variation of a motif help create unity and coherence within a composition, and it may undergo transformations in rhythm, harmony, or orchestration to reflect changes in the music's narrative or mood.