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sesquialtera

/ ˌsɛskwɪˈæltərə /

noun

  1. a mixture stop on an organ
  2. another term for hemiola
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of sesquialtera1

C16: from Latin sesqui- half + alter second, other
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Example Sentences

The chiavette clefs were transposed down a fourth; the A was pitched at a very sharp 466 Hz; two theorbos joined the positive organ in the basso continuo; and tempos adhered to the sesquialtera and tripla systems of proportional mensuration.

The whole ae, shall be unto ao sesquialtera, that is, as 2 is to 3.

Sesquialtera, iii ranks, metal — 162 10.

An interesting point about this shanty is that, whether by accident or design, it exhibits a rhythmic device commonly practised by mediæval composers, known as proportio sesquialtera.

Sesquialtera is more complicated, and means 'three notes are sung to two of the same kinde'; and 'Sesquitertia is when four notes are sung to three of the same kinde.'

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sesqui-sesquicarbonate