Micropangaea

Microtonal music is music that uses microtones—pitches that fall between the notes of the Western 12‑tone equal temperament (12‑TET). In practical terms, it employs intervals smaller than a semitone or uses alternative tuning systems that do not align with the customary twelve equal divisions of the octave. Beyond simple “quarter‑tone” writing, microtonality encompasses historical and global pitch systems (such as those of Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Southeast Asian traditions), just‑intonation lattices, and equal divisions of the octave with many steps (e.g., 19‑EDO, 24‑EDO, 31‑EDO, 53‑EDO, 72‑EDO). It may be realized on retuned acoustic instruments, specially built or modified instruments, voice, or digital synthesis/samplers. Aesthetic results range from delicate, shimmering pitch colors and continuous glissandi to rugged, “in‑between” harmonies and new modalities—often creating sensations that sound ‘between the keys’ of a piano.