Julián Carrillo, Mexican violinist, composer, and conductor (d. 1965)

Julián Carrillo Trujillo (January 28, 1875 – September 9, 1965) was a pioneering Mexican musician, renowned globally for his profound contributions as a composer, conductor, violinist, and especially as a groundbreaking music theorist. His most significant and revolutionary achievement was the development of a comprehensive theory of microtonal music, which he famously christened "The Thirteenth Sound" (El Sonido 13).

Understanding The Thirteenth Sound (Sonido 13)

At the core of Carrillo's legacy lies "The Thirteenth Sound," a revolutionary system of microtonal music that challenged the foundational principles of Western music. Traditional Western music predominantly operates within a 12-note chromatic scale, where the octave is divided into 12 equally tempered semitones. Carrillo's radical innovation involved exploring and systematically utilizing intervals smaller than these standard semitones, often referred to as microtones. His system went far beyond simply adding one extra note; it introduced the concept of dividing the octave into a vastly increased number of micro-intervals, allowing for quarter-tones, eighth-tones, sixteenth-tones, and even finer divisions up to sixty-fourths of a tone. The symbolic name "The Thirteenth Sound" signifies a transcendence of the conventional 12-note system, opening up entirely new sonic and harmonic landscapes that were previously unexplored in Western classical music.

Carrillo's Multifaceted Contributions and Innovation

Carrillo's theoretical work was not merely academic; it was deeply intertwined with practical application. Recognizing the limitations of existing instruments, he meticulously designed and adapted specialized musical instruments capable of accurately producing these intricate microtonal intervals. This included innovative modifications to pianos, harps, and other instruments, which were crucial for the performance and realization of his microtonal compositions. His pioneering experiments with microtones began as early as 1895, though the formal public presentation and articulation of "Sonido 13" is often traced to a momentous lecture and demonstration he gave in Mexico City on July 15, 1925. This event marked a pivotal moment in the history of microtonal music, showcasing the tangible possibilities of his theoretical framework.

Beyond his groundbreaking theoretical and practical innovations, Carrillo's musical career was remarkably diverse and influential. He held significant academic positions, notably serving as the director of the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico, where he played a pivotal role in shaping music education and fostering new talent. As a conductor, he led major orchestras both in Mexico and internationally, earning acclaim for his interpretations. As a composer, his extensive oeuvre ranged from traditional compositions to highly experimental works that fully embraced and explored the complex nuances of his microtonal system, demonstrating both his versatility and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression.

Legacy and Impact of Julián Carrillo

Julián Carrillo remains a towering figure in 20th-century music, recognized not only for his technical prowess and intellectual rigor but also for his unwavering dedication to expanding the very definition of music. His "Sonido 13" continues to be studied and performed globally, influencing subsequent generations of avant-garde composers, sound artists, and music theorists who seek to explore new harmonic and melodic possibilities. His pioneering spirit solidified his legacy as a true visionary who dared to listen beyond the conventional twelve-note paradigm, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary music.

Frequently Asked Questions About Julián Carrillo and Sonido 13

What is "The Thirteenth Sound" (Sonido 13)?

It is a revolutionary system of microtonal music developed by Julián Carrillo. It involves dividing the musical octave into more than the traditional 12 semitones, exploring smaller intervals like quarter-tones, eighth-tones, and even finer divisions, thereby expanding the melodic and harmonic possibilities of music.

Why is Julián Carrillo considered an important figure in music history?

Carrillo is important for his pioneering work in microtonal music, the development of "The Thirteenth Sound" system, and his innovative adaptations of musical instruments to play these microtones. He was also a respected composer, conductor, and music educator who significantly influenced 20th-century musical thought.

Did Julián Carrillo create special instruments?

Yes, Carrillo designed and adapted existing instruments, such as pianos and harps, to accurately produce the microtonal intervals required by his "Sonido 13" system. These specialized instruments were crucial for realizing his theoretical concepts in performance.

When did Julián Carrillo first present "Sonido 13"?

While his experiments with microtones began earlier, Julián Carrillo formally presented and articulated his "Sonido 13" theory to the public during a significant lecture and demonstration in Mexico City on July 15, 1925.