PasoVoice.Com :: Sonority

BigJ

I've heard the term used several times, but my understanding isn't clear.

JCBossa tried to explain this to me once and he did a very good job. However, I'd like to hear other people's thoughts on this to be sure I understand this correctly.

caliber · Site Admin

bump! IMPORTANT THREAD, Pending response!

Bravo

Sonority (in Spanish "Sonoridad"): Judges use this term to say that the gait's sound is harmonious and clear. The gait sounds like a very pleasant melody.

This can be compared to when you hear an outstanding piano player. Although another piano player can play the exact same song, it is not as harmonious , clear and pleasant as when the gifted player is playing.

It is still subjective, but differentiable in both the Paso Fino gait and the piano song.

BigJ

thank you, Bravo Smile

Interesting and confusing. Confused

I need to revisit my understanding of sonority then.

Reading the responses about cadence, it seems I have it backwards. I thought sonority had to do with the speed and the pounding of the footfall.

I also agree with the aspects of cadence having to do with the rhythmic of footfall but not entirely sure I would include speed as defining it.

I'll admit I rely on my younger years when I played an instrument to define these terms because I believe both are related to the art of the gait--the pleasing tones emitted. And Felix, I know with your musical expertise, you may be able to help with this understanding.

It would be interesting if we could meet and watch horses to see how we would describe the gait in both English and Spanish terms. It could be there are some slight differences in meaning depending on the language.

I borrowed this from a dictionary and this was my understanding about sonority:

1 : producing sound (as when struck)
2 : full or loud in sound <a sonorous voice>
3 : imposing or impressive in effect or style
4 : having a high or an indicated degree of sonority

In English this lends the understanding of sonority as related to sound such as in definition #2. The gait is full of sound, which I tend to relate to the heaviness or lightness of the foot fall. Also #3 suggests an expressive, flourish style that is expansive and bold. With my background, I think of this as more animated in movement. Animation relating to height and stride of the movement. The higher, the more animated; the more animated, the more likely to be sonorous.

When JCBossa explained sonority to me he used Classico as an example, so my reason for confusion because Classico definitely provides a very full, resounding gait, yet his movements, expecially his front legs are nowhere near what I would call animated in anyway. I had concluded, then, that sonority defined the sound made than animation.

Ferrum

I hear the judges use " Sonoro" to describe horse where all for steps of the gait sound loud and clear.

another word I hear at times is " Tablero" a horse is tablero, if he really impresses while on the sounding board. I guess it would translate to " Ohh that is board horse"

In some ways I wonder if the board has taken up too much importance. Talked about less, but probably equally important is quiet crop, if the horse is really sound in angles, comfort, etc.