Text: It has been suggested that intervals should be called, instead of (1) minor, (2) major, and (3) augmented; (1) minor, (2) normal, and (3) major. This would certainly be a better system than any yet devised; but it is to be feared that it would be impossible to disturb the universally accepted meaning of the word major. Intervals greater than major or normal have been termed (besides augmented) extreme, sharp, superfluous, pluperfect, etc.

See Also: TEMPERAMENT; RATIO; SCALE

Source: 125