Intonation
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notation. Accordingly in the present chapter the two systems are used concurrently throughout. Male voice intonation is indicated in the musical notation. The female voice intonation may be taken to be an octave above for notes below E, and somewhat less than an octave above in the cases of higher notes.[1]
697. Intonation is most important for indicating shades of meaning. Compare the following:
(meaning “That is so”.)
(meaning “Of course it is so”.)
(meaning “yes, I understand that; please continue.” This form is very frequently used when speaking on the telephone. The same intonation would be used in answering a question if a further question were expected; for instance a shopman would use it in answering the question “Do you keep so-and-so?”)
(meaning “Is it really so”?)
(meaning “That may be so”.)
(expressing curiosity)
(expressing greater curiosity)
- ↑ It is to be understood of course that in the musical notation the notes merely show the salient points of the true intonation.
