1. The space between two notes in terms of their relative pitches. Classical music contains standard intervals, the third, fourth, fifth, etc., which are measured by the number of whole tones between notes of the standard scales. In the scale of C major, for example, C natural and E natural are described as being apart by an interval of a third. The fourth, fifth and octave intervals are known as the Perfect intervals. Their sound is particularly pure, relating as they do to the mathematical pattern of physical overtone frequencies produced by a vibrating source.
2. The time, conventionally, in opera, between Acts, when the audience is given an opportunity to leave the auditorium and refresh itself at the bar. Intervals play an important part in allowing the audienceΓÇÖs subconscious to sort out some of its experiences in the forgoing drama. It is common for audiences to say that performances seemed to get a lot better in the second half. Perhaps it is the audience that progressed.
