Noun
/dəˌmiː.sɛm.iˈkwɑː.vər/
A demi-semiquaver, also known as a sixty-fourth note, is a musical note that is worth 1/64 of a whole note. It is the shortest duration of a note commonly used in Western music notation and is often used to create rapid passages in music.
The term is more frequently seen in written contexts such as sheet music, musical literature, or educational resources rather than in oral conversation among laypersons. Musicians, composers, and music educators are more likely to use the term in professional settings.
The composer included several demi-semiquavers in the rapid passage of the sonata.
(El compositor incluyó varias semicorcheas en el pasaje rápido de la sonata.)
In classical music, demi-semiquavers can create a sense of urgency in the performance.
(En la música clásica, las semicorcheas pueden crear un sentido de urgencia en la interpretación.)
The pianist practiced the section with demi-semiquavers until it was perfect.
(El pianista practicó la sección con semicorcheas hasta que estuvo perfecta.)
While "demi-semiquaver" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, its relevance in musical contexts can lead to some expressions that reflect speed or quickness in music or performance.
"Play it like a demi-semiquaver"
(Tócalo como una semicorchea) - Signifying to play something very quickly or with urgency.
"Demi-semiquaver pace"
(Ritmo de semicorchea) - Referring to a very rapid speed, often in the context of something being done quickly.
"To dance to the demi-semiquavers"
(Bailar a las semicorcheas) - Implies dancing with great speed or agility, correlating with the rapid tempo of certain pieces of music.
"This new song has a demi-semiquaver tempo that pushes the boundaries of speed."
(Esta nueva canción tiene un tempo de semicorchea que empuja los límites de la velocidad.)
"You need to hit those demi-semiquavers flawlessly to impress the judges."
(Necesitas tocar esas semicorcheas sin fallos para impresionar a los jueces.)
The term "demi-semiquaver" comes from the combination of French and Latin roots. "Demi" meaning "half" in French, "semi" meaning "half" in Latin, and "quaver" which refers to a note in music. Literally, it implies a note that is half of a semiquaver (or eighth note) in duration.
The term "demi-semiquaver" is primarily used in specialized musical contexts and is vital for understanding intricate rhythm patterns in advanced music theory and performance.