PROHIBITION VERSUS APOTHEOSIS OF A TRITONE: RHETORICAL ASPECTS.

This paper explores the change of the concept of a tritone – from its prohibition to tritonic apotheosis as well as draws attention to the acoustic peculiarities of the „Devil's interval” (Diabolus in musica1). The tritone is a very small object but features a portentous and unique sound as well as problematic intensity. The peculiarity of the discussed interval has evoked multifarious creative expressions and has also provoked controversial theoretical speculations throughout the music history. This paper aims to draw a historical perspective providing a comprehensive representation of both theoretical and practical approach to the tritone in relation to its acoustic intensity and rhetorical aspects. Critical consideration of the most remarkable theoretical declarations as well as analytical inquiry of particular musical examples reveal the significance and functionality of a tritone in different historical contexts. The paper reveals the constant change of conceptions, canons of usage, composition techniques and harmonic systems although referring to the same object on discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]