Shepard Tone
The Shepard Tone is an auditory illusion that creates the perception of a continuously ascending pitch. It consists of a series of tones that are spaced an octave apart, played in a way that makes the highest tone fade out while a lower tone fades in. This overlapping effect tricks the brain into hearing a never-ending rise in pitch, even though the actual sound is cyclical.
This phenomenon is often used in music and film to build tension or excitement. Composers like Hans Zimmer have utilized the Shepard Tone in soundtracks to enhance dramatic moments, making the audience feel an ongoing sense of anticipation.