Hemidemisemiquaver

/ˌhɛmɪˌdɛmɪˈsɛmɪkweɪvɚ/ noun

Definition

A musical note lasting one-eighth the duration of a semiquaver, or 1/128th of a whole note; extremely short.

Etymology

From 'hemi-' (half) + 'demisemiquaver.' Each prefix 'hemi-' or 'demi-' divides the note duration by two, so stacking multiple prefixes creates increasingly tiny note values in music notation.

Kelly Says

Hemidemisemiquavers are so absurdly short that most composers never use them—but organ builders and electronic music pioneers discovered they create dizzying, shimmering effects when played in rapid succession!

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