Non-unison string course scordatura
Tuning at least 1 of the strings within a dichord or trichord course to another pitch than the other(s), creates a non-unison string course scordatura.
Not only do the pitches change, but the timbre changes as well.
By pressing only one key, one can create beat tones, micro-clusters and, with a more radical detuning, even small chords.
If one applies a similar non-unison string course scordatura to other keys as well, a ‘second instrument’ within the piano can emerge.
Micro-clusters
Tre corde. Middle range.
| 1. forte 2. piano |
Arpeggio Chord |
|
|---|---|---|
| One of the strings is raised by a quartertone. | ||
| One of the strings is raised by a quartertone, while another one is raised by an 1/8-tone. | ||
| One of the strings is raised by an 1/8-tone, while another one is raised by a 1/16-tone. |
Using the una corda pedal in combination with non-unison string courses, opens up to several possibilities, and one may read more about this under the technique ‘Use of the una corda pedal’.
Examples of works including this technique:
- Keiko Harada: 唄-媒-培 (BAI-BAI-BAI)
- Jon Øivind Ness: Rawgabbiting
- Eivind Buene: Three Studies for Microtonal Piano