How Do You Spell PLAGAL?

Pronunciation: [plˈaɡə͡l] (IPA)

The word "Plagal" is often mispronounced and misspelled due to its unique pronunciation. The correct spelling of "Plagal" is /ˈpleɪɡəl/, which is pronounced as "play-guhl". The IPA phonetic transcription helps to distinguish the correct pronunciation of the word. The term "Plagal" is often used in music to describe a specific type of musical composition. It is important to use the correct spelling and pronunciation of this word to effectively communicate in the field of music.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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PLAGAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Plagal is an adjective used to describe a musical scale or cadence that features a specific melodic pattern. In Western music theory, the plagal scale is one of the two main modes, the other being the authentic scale. The plagal mode, also known as the "plagal cadence" or "amen cadence," has a distinctive and recognizable sound due to its characteristic movement. It is commonly associated with religious or sacred music, adding a sense of stability, solemnity, and comfort.

    The plagal scale is formed by lowering the fourth note (subdominant) of the authentic scale by a whole step. This alteration gives it a different tonal color and distinct musical character. In music notation, the plagal mode is often displayed using a lowercase "p" or "P" written above the staff.

    In addition to its use in scales, the term "plagal" can also describe a chord progression that follows the plagal cadence, which involves moving from the subdominant chord to the tonic chord. This progression, commonly seen in hymns or chants, is often used to provide a final resolution and a feeling of conclusiveness.

    Overall, "plagal" refers to a musical mode, cadence, or progression that features a specific melodic movement, adding a particular flavor or mood to a composition.

  2. In music, applied to such compositions as have their principal notes lying between the fifth of the key and its octave or twelfth.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PLAGAL

Etymology of PLAGAL

The word "plagal" is derived from the Greek word "plagios", meaning "sideways" or "oblique". It is also associated with the Greek musical term "plagios nomos", which refers to one of the two main modes or scales in ancient Greek music. Over time, "plagal" came to be used in English to describe music that is in a lower range or has a more relaxed character compared to the "authentic" mode or scale. In the context of Western music, the term is primarily used to describe a particular type of medieval and Renaissance church modes and their corresponding melodies.

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Correct spelling for Plagal
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