I do prefer to make a “thing” out of it, because I feel like not doing so is leaving something on the table that could potentially inform students’ insight about voice leading and function.

I cannot speak for higher level theorists, but in my ear training class, we use the word almost exclusively to identify the aug4/dim5 sound when it is out of context. My guess is that this is a common usage; otherwise one can merely state whether it was an augmented fourth or a diminished fifth.

I think, then, about words like “computer” which had a lot more relevant meaning half a century ago. Now, we use it to refer to a device many use primarily for word processing, surfing the internet, and listening to music. Or the word “gift” which once meant a dowry, but now has a more general meaning in English, and a more sinister meaning (“poison”) in German. Both apparently from the same origin.

I don’t know whether the meaning I ascribe to “tritone” is reflective of wider usage or not, but I think that for me, the meaning has clearly morphed into “the interval that can be written as either an augmented fourth or as a diminished fifth.” I would argue for the utility of such usage from the simple fact that we already have a term for an augmented fourth – “augmented fourth” – and that we have no better term to speak about the interval out of context.

I would also argue that such usage allows one to more easily talk about the interval in cases that encompass both expressions. (ie: “a jazz pianist can play through a circle of fifths by moving the tritone up or down chromatically.”) Without a notationally ambiguous word for that interval, it becomes harder to explain.

Of course, we can try to rebel against the morphed meaning of words, and my argument is practical, rather than academic. But I would encourage a move towards such usage, rather than away from it.

There’s a way to use solfa to introduce key signatures, and I’ll be posting about that soon (I hope).

A general fact is that for centuries we’ve had Swedish-speaking Finns in Finland. I don’t know what has been the main language of Sibelius’ paternal ancestors, throughout centuries. – Both Finnish and Swedish are official languages in Finland.

About Sebelius, in HisKi database of genealogia.fi I found just two babies babtized with the father named Sebelius. In the old records of St Petersburg Finnish Parish.

I just started a blog, http://moveabledo.com, as I wanted to put together a series of browser-accessible exercises to sharpen my sight singing skills.

It’s just a labor of love, so please check it out, comment, and pass the word if you find it useful.

Thanks,

– Eugene