Final answer:
The question refers to microtones, intervals smaller than the traditional Western semitones, common in some non-Western cultures. Renaissance music increased the use of the third interval, leading to tonality's development. Music's ability to convey emotion is seen as a universal language.
Step-by-step explanation:
The musical intervals smaller than those traditionally recognized in Western music are called microtones. They are prevalent in some non-Western music cultures and allow for a greater nuance in pitch and expression. While Western music typically uses a system of twelve equal intervals within an octave, microtonal music explores the pitches in between, providing a vast array of subtle differences in tonality. In early Renaissance European music, the increased reliance on the interval of the third marked a departure from previous practices where this interval was considered dissonant. Over time, polyphony evolved to be more elaborate, culminating into more structured forms, fostering the development of harmonics and tonal characteristics that ultimately defined Western music.
Music has often been regarded as a universal language, capable of expressing emotions across diverse cultures. Studies, such as those conducted by the Max Planck Institute, demonstrate that even individuals with no prior exposure to Western music can still recognize basic emotions within it. This suggests that the fundamental aspects of music, such as melody, rhythm, and harmony, transcend cultural boundaries.