The Devil's Triad

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Music can stir the soul!


And, yes, a glass can actually be shattered with the proper vocal tone.


Music can make us laugh, or make us cry.


One type of musical arrangement in particular, referred to as the "Devil's Triad" (Also called the Devil's Tritone, the Devil's Interval, and diabolus in musica), is said to have incredibly stirring effects upon listeners.

(And what musician doesn't wish to stir his audience?)


This particular "restless" combination of notes (diminished fifth) was rumored to have been banned by the church in early centuries, but it is more likely its use was simply discouraged by musically inclined Monks and other religious composers, through the establishment of strict musical guidelines.


What is being created from three whole tones (For example, C, E, and G) are dissonant sounds, that leave the listener naturally wishing for some resolution, and therefore with an intense feeling of discomfort.


The sudden insertion of a dissonant chord, when we were expecting a rhythmic and harmonic conclusion which is entirely different (As our brains are wired to do, according to John Sloboda, Professor of Music Psychology at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama), apparently really freaks us out!


It has been likened to descending a staircase, unaware that there is a missing bottom step, the likes of which I did myself a couple of months ago, due to poor eyesight and a darkened room, and I can tell you that the results can be very unnerving, as I ended up sprawled across the floor.


Medieval musical arrangements used the tritone to represent the Devil. Roman Catholic composers linked the sound to the crucifixion. Much classical music linked the tone to presentations of evil.


In more modern times, bands such as Black Sabbath have frequently used the Devil's Interval in their music. Likewise, Rush's song, "YYZ," Hendrix's "Purple Haze," and even seemingly innocuous songs like "Maria" from West Side Story, and the theme song to The Simpsons have apparently dabbled with the "Devil's music."


So, if you find yourself feeling a tad uncomfortable, or out of sorts the next time you're listening to a song, it just may be due to the unique combination of notes known as the Devil's Triad!


(Thanks, and a tip 'o the hat to my friend Kamil, for turning me on to this strange musical anomaly!)


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Recent Comments

33

Interesting post, Rick. :)

Thank you, Mike! :)

...hmmm..."The Devil's Triad"....hmmmm...I think I saw a porn with that title once...but it was a very different kind of ":music", Cos...shame on you...lol...

Oops...Sorry, Arthur-My bad. :)

Hi Rick, I really enjoyed your post. I love music everything from Twelfth Century Chanting to Man of War and I hadn't realised anything about the Devil's Triad.

Thank you. I will pay a bit more attention now.

Sharon

Me, too, Sharon. :)

Don't forget Status Quo and Metallica

Thanks, Eric.

I have never heard of such a thing, but it does make sense. Thanks for another eye opener.

You're welcome, Lori. :)

Very interesting, Rick.What was the church saying anout the enlarged fourth?:))

The religious front apparently found reason to restrict the use of the triad. :))

Hi Rick, not my taste in music. Irv.

I'm not a heavy metal guy, either, Irv, but this has been used in many types of music.

Gothic music is interesting Rick!

Yep, but the triad goes beyond that, Mike.

Thanks for sharing, Rick.

My pleasure, Rog.

How is it your assessment, is it supported by music lovers?

Apparently, it's a well known phenomenon, based on the idea that people are uncomfortable with an unfinished, dissonant sound, Jimmy. Then, when they are supplied with the chord that alleviates the discomfort, it's a relief, emotionally. (Or so they say)

I hope I will hear something about that so I can learn to identify music genre.

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