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Querstand

cross-relation; false relation; clash between two voices

noun KVAIR-shtant Rare
Arts & Culture Music

Usage Note

Querstand in music theory is a harmonic cross-relation — when a note in one voice clashes chromatically with a note in another voice, creating an unintended dissonance. Renaissance and Baroque composers debated its use. Plural: Querstände.

Examples

"Das Lehrbuch warnte vor dem unbeabsichtigten Querstand zwischen Tenor und Bass."

Natural Translation

The textbook warned about the inadvertent cross-relation between tenor and bass.

Literal Translation

The textbook warned of the unintentional cross-relation between tenor and bass.

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