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平均律 (へいきんりつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
equal temperament ; mean-tone tuning
music
Music term for a tuning system where the octave is divided into equal intervals. In modern usage, 平均律 usually refers to equal temperament, while mean-tone tuning is a historical predecessor.
Bach's 'The Well-Tempered Clavier' was written for a keyboard instrument tuned in equal temperament.
Similar words 純じゅん 正せい 律りつ 純正律 (just intonation) uses pure intervals based on whole-number ratios, while 平均律 (equal temperament) slightly compromises interval purity to allow playing in all keys.
調ちょう 律りつ 調律 is the general term for tuning an instrument, while 平均律 is a specific tuning system.
Etymology Compound of 平均 (average, equal) and 律 (rule, law, here referring to musical temperament). The term is a direct translation of the Western musical concept.
