Unit 8: Modes and Form

Modes

• Ionian mode - Same pattern as the major scale

• Aeolian mode - Same pattern as the natural minor scale

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• Phrygian, Aeolian, and Dorian are minor modes.

  • Dorian is similar to Aeolian with a raised 6th scale degree.
  • Phrygian is similar to Aeolian with a lowered 2nd scale degree.
  • Dorian adds one sharp and Phrygian adds one flat.

• Lydian, Mixolydian, and Ionian are major modes.

  • Lydian is similar to Ionian with a raised 4th scale degree.
  • Mixolydian is similar to Ionian with a lowered 7th scale degree.
  • Lydian adds one sharp and Mixolydian adds one flat.

• Locrian is used less. It has a diminished tonic triad, so it’s not a major or minor.

Pentatonic Scale

• Pentatonic scale - Has five tones. It contains no half steps or active tones.
  • Major pentatonic - To build it, in the Circle of Fifths, start from C up to 5 consecutive pitches.
  • Relative minor pentatonic - It uses the same pitch as the C pentatonic but it starts on A.

Blues Scale

• Blues scale - A musical scale that is used in blues music and other genres that are influenced by it.
• It is a six-note scale that includes the following notes:
  • Root note
  • Flat third
  • Fourth
  • Flat fifth
  • Fifth
  • Flat seventh

Ragas

• Ragas - Melodic frameworks used in Indian classical music. They are a set of rules that govern the way a melody is constructed and performed. Ragas are based on a scale of seven notes, which are arranged in a specific order. Each raga has a unique combination of notes, which gives it a distinct character and mood.

Whole-Tone Scale

• Heptatonic scales - There are seven tones in the scale. Major and minor scales are heptatonic.
• Hexatonic scale - There are six tones in this scale. The whole-tone scale is hexatonic.
• Whole-tone scale - Each pitch is a whole step apart.

Phrase Relationships

Phrase

• Musical phrase - A group of musical ideas that form a complete musical thought.
  • A phrase can be as short as two notes or as long as several measures.
• Phrases can be related to each other in different ways.
  • A phrase can be a response to a previous phrase, or it can be a continuation of a previous phrase.
• The relationship between phrases can create tension and release, which is an important aspect of musical expression.
• Phrase chain - A series of phrases that are related to each other.

Periods

• Period - A group of phrases that form a complete musical idea.
• A period usually consists of two phrases, an antecedent phrase, and a consequent phrase.
• Antecedent phrase - The first phrase in a period.
  • It creates a sense of tension or expectation that is resolved by the consequent phrase.
• Consequent phrase - The second phrase in a period.
  • It resolves the tension created by the antecedent phrase.

Types of Periods

• Parallel periods - Two musical phrases that have the same or similar melodic and rhythmic structure.
• Contrasting periods - Two musical phrases that have different melodic and rhythmic structures.
• Modulating periods - Two musical phrases that start in one key and end in a different key.
• Asymmetrical periods - Two musical phrases that have different lengths or structures.
• Double period - Four musical phrases that are grouped into two pairs, with each pair having a similar or contrasting structure.

Common Formal Sections

• Exposition - The opening section of a musical piece that introduces the main themes and melodies, and establishes the key and tonality of the piece.
• Interlude - A short section that connects two larger sections of a piece used to provide contrast or to transition between different moods or tempos.
• Bridge - A section that connects two different parts of a song and that often provides a contrast to the verse or chorus.
• Verse - A section of a song that tells a story or conveys a message.
• Chorus - A section of a song that is repeated several times throughout the piece
• Refrain - A repeated line or phrase that occurs at the end of each verse or chorus.
• Coda - A concluding section of a musical piece that provides a sense of closure or resolution and may contain a recapitulation of earlier themes or melodies.
• Codetta - A short concluding section that follows the main coda and is used to provide a final flourish or to bring the piece to a definitive end.

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