sesquialtera

/ ˌsɛskwɪˈæltərə /

noun

1. a mixture stop on an organ

2. another term for hemiola

Word History and Origins

Origin of sesquialtera¹

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

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.

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

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Sesquialtera, iii ranks, metal — 162 10.

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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.

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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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