cross relation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “cross relation” mean?
In musical counterpoint, the occurrence of a pitch in one melodic line that creates a chromatic half-step clash with the preceding pitch in another line, typically considered undesirable in certain strict styles like 16th-century counterpoint.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In musical counterpoint, the occurrence of a pitch in one melodic line that creates a chromatic half-step clash with the preceding pitch in another line, typically considered undesirable in certain strict styles like 16th-century counterpoint.
More broadly, it can refer to any contradictory or conflicting relationship between two factors, elements, or sources of information, where one seems to negate or clash with the other.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is a technical one used identically in British and American music theory.
Connotations
Negative in the strict musicological context (a fault to be avoided); neutral to negative in the extended metaphorical use (indicating a contradiction).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Its usage is confined almost exclusively to music theory and advanced academic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “cross relation” in a Sentence
The cross relation occurs between [Part X] and [Part Y].A cross relation is created by [Pitch A] in the soprano and [Pitch B] in the bass.The composer avoided a cross relation by altering the melodic line.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross relation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The student was marked down for crossing the relation between the alto and tenor parts.
American English
- The composer crossed the relation intentionally for a jarring effect in the modernist piece.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The cross-relation interval was deemed inappropriate for the Renaissance style.
American English
- They analyzed the cross-relation effect in the early Baroque fugue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in musicology, music theory, and occasionally in literary or historical analysis to describe contradictory evidence.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain is music theory, describing a specific contrapuntal fault.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross relation”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross relation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross relation”
- Using it as a fancy synonym for 'connection' or 'correlation'. Its core meaning is negative and specific.
- Pronouncing 'relation' with a weak first syllable (/rəˈleɪ.ʃən/) — the stress is on the second syllable.
- Confusing it with 'cross-reference'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in music theory, 'cross relation' and 'false relation' are generally synonymous, both referring to the same contrapuntal phenomenon.
No, it is a highly specialised term. Using it in general conversation would likely cause confusion. Use words like 'contradiction' or 'clash' instead.
In the context of strict Renaissance counterpoint, yes. In later musical periods (Romantic, 20th century), composers sometimes used it intentionally for expressive, dissonant colour.
All cross relations are a type of dissonance, but not all dissonances are cross relations. A cross relation is a specific clash created by two chromatic notes in immediate succession in different parts.
In musical counterpoint, the occurrence of a pitch in one melodic line that creates a chromatic half-step clash with the preceding pitch in another line, typically considered undesirable in certain strict styles like 16th-century counterpoint.
Cross relation is usually technical/formal in register.
Cross relation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs rɪˈleɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs rɪˈleɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two roads (melodic lines) crossing at a junction where the traffic lights show green for both (two clashing chromatic notes) — it creates a dangerous, undesirable clash.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTRADICTION IS A COLLISION / A MISTAKE IS A FORBIDDEN PATH.
Practice
Quiz
In which field does the term 'cross relation' have its primary, technical meaning?