Meaning: The quote "Cents are the most universally used interval measure" by Alexander Ellis is a statement about the measurement of musical intervals. It refers to the concept of cents as a unit of measurement for musical intervals, which are the distances between two pitches. This quote highlights the widespread acceptance and use of cents as a standard measure for intervals in music theory and practice.

In the context of music, an interval is the difference in pitch between two notes. It is a fundamental concept in music theory and plays a crucial role in understanding and analyzing musical compositions. The measurement of intervals is essential for musicians and composers as it enables them to accurately notate, perform, and understand the harmonic and melodic aspects of music.

Cents, as mentioned in the quote, are a unit of measurement for musical intervals. In the equal-tempered tuning system, which is the most commonly used tuning system in Western music, an octave is divided into 1200 equal parts, each of which is defined as one cent. This means that the difference in pitch between two adjacent notes in the equal-tempered scale is one cent.

The use of cents as a measurement for musical intervals provides several advantages. Firstly, it allows for precise and standardized communication about pitch differences in music. This is especially important in contexts where accurate tuning and pitch relationships are crucial, such as in the fields of music performance, composition, and audio engineering. Cents provide a common language for musicians and music professionals to discuss and work with intervals, regardless of the specific musical context or genre.

Furthermore, the use of cents facilitates the comparison of intervals across different tuning systems and musical traditions. Since cents are based on a logarithmic scale, they offer a consistent and objective way to compare and analyze intervals, irrespective of the specific tuning system being used. This universality makes cents an invaluable tool for musicians and scholars interested in exploring and understanding the diverse array of musical scales and tuning systems found across cultures and historical periods.

The concept of cents as a universal interval measure has practical implications in various musical domains. For example, in the context of instrumental tuning and intonation, musicians rely on the precise measurement of intervals in cents to ensure that their instruments are accurately tuned and that they play in tune with other musicians. Similarly, in the field of electronic music and sound synthesis, cents are used to manipulate and control the pitch of sound waves, enabling the creation of complex and harmonically rich musical textures.

In addition to its practical significance, the use of cents as a standard interval measure also has theoretical implications. Music theorists and analysts utilize cents as a tool for examining the harmonic and melodic structures of musical compositions. By quantifying the pitch relationships in terms of cents, scholars can gain insights into the internal logic and expressive qualities of diverse musical repertoires, from traditional folk music to contemporary art music.

In conclusion, Alexander Ellis's quote underscores the significance of cents as the most universally used interval measure in music. Cents play a crucial role in facilitating communication, comparison, and analysis of musical intervals, thereby serving as a fundamental tool for musicians, composers, scholars, and audio professionals. This quote reflects the enduring importance of precise measurement and understanding of pitch relationships in the rich and diverse world of music.