The Major Third

Ease, Resolution, Improvement—4:5


When we speak of “harmony” or think of “singing in harmony,” it is the sweet beauty of the Major Third that first comes to mind. It is the most pleasing of dyads, the most “harmonious.” Arising in the Harmonic Series above the Perfect Fourth, it embodies the Conciliating Force and carries its magic: hearing, singing, or playing the Major Third, we experience a lightening of heart, an easing of burden. In a casting, the Major Third reflects this; if it appears habitually or as an unconscious response, however, the Major Third can indicate a pollyanna attitude, a blind optimism.

In the active suit of Brass, the hermeneutic for the Major Third is mediation; in the emotional suit of Strings, joy; in the intellectual suit of Woodwinds, comprehension; in the physical suit of Percussion, wellness; and in the spiritual, holistic suit of Voices, peace.

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