Le 29 juin 2017
de 14h30 à 15h00
Le Patio (université de Strasbourg)
22 rue René Descartes, 67000 Strasbourg
salle 3201
Séance précomposée - Modulation as Perceived by the Listener
Pré-acte / Acte
Auteur : Dimitar Ninov
Different approaches to modulation embody compositional techniques which generate different types of emotional and logical reaction. Some modulations trigger one type of perception related to the feeling of an immediate arrival, while others create the feeling of prolonging a space by steering through different phases. I will review two established methods of gradual modulation which create a different impact on the listener. The first method is related to the use of a common chord as a link between the initial key and the target key, while the second method is indirect and will use one or more intermediate key areas as a link between two outer keys.
The common chord modulation offers a variety of possibilities, including the use of a diatonic triad or a borrowed chord to connect the two intended keys. In addition, the practice of reinterpreting a common chord enharmonically creates the effect of surprise caused by the conversion of a diatonic chord into a chromatic chord or vice versa.
The modulation via transitional key is also very diverse, ranging from the possibility of reaching a common chord via secondary dominant, to tangible outline of one or more intermediate keys via harmonic sequence or otherwise.
The dynamic ways of tonal interaction open the door to regarding the process of modulation as a living organism through which musical texture breathes. This notion breaks the wall between theory and practice and stimulates creativity in the study of harmony.
