False relation

[2] In the above example, a chromatic false relation occurs in two adjacent voices sounding at the same time (shown in red).

False relation is in this case desirable since this chromatic alteration follows a melodic idea, the rising 'melodic minor'.

This horizontal approach to polyphonic writing reflects the practices of composers in the Renaissance and Tudor periods, particularly in vocal composition, but it is also seen, for example, in the hexachord fantasies of William Byrd (for keyboard).

Many composers from the late 16th century onwards however began using the effect deliberately as an expressive device in their word setting.

This practice continued well into the Romantic era, and can be heard in the music of Mozart and Chopin, for example.