Definitions of tuning terms
© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo
All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited
pyknon, pyknoma
(Greek: "condensation", plurals: pykna, pyknomata)
Intervallically dense region of non-diatonic, i.e., chromatic or enharmonic, genera.
The width of the pyknon is less than or equal to 1/2 of the Fourth.
[from John Chalmers, Divisions of the Tetrachord]
That is, the widest possible pyknon has an irrational proportion
of
(4/3)(1/2), or
sqrt(4/3). [-Monzo]
see also my Tutorial on ancient Greek tetrachord-theory, and my paper on Aristoxenus.
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