orientale

English/French composer

Definition

In an Oriental or Eastern style. Refers to the modal, exotic-sounding scales and ornamentation characteristic of Armenian and broader Middle Eastern musical traditions.

Interpretive Guidance

In Oriental Dance and similar pieces, the modal inflections (often augmented seconds) are the essence of the style. Bring out these characteristic intervals; avoid smoothing them into diatonic patterns.

Context

Scope Used by Aram Khachaturian
Language English/French

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