Introduction: Twelve-tone Technique The twelve-tone technique, also known as dodecaphony, is a method of composition that emerged in the early 20th century and revolutionized the world of classical music. Developed by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg and his disciples, this technique sought to break away from the traditional tonal system and introduce a new approach to … Read more
In mm. 1-2, you may wonder why the lowest cello note is written as a D♯ instead of an E♭. The notes E♭ and B spell an augmented 5th interval, which is somewhat awkward to read. By using the enharmonic equivalent (D♯), the interval becomes a 6th, which is much easier for a cellist to … Read more
Pedal Points for a dramatic build-up In this episode, we demonstrate using pedal points for a dramatic build-up in your piece! [Study Pack] This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games. Polyrhythm vs Polymeter Both polyrhythm and polymeter are techniques used to combine different rhythms simultaneously in music. This adds complexity and creates more interesting rhythmic patterns. Polyrhythm Polyrhythm involves combining … Read more
In the image above, the piano begins in the low-mid register with an ascending phrase using a few notes from the D Half-Whole Diminished Scale. With the sustain pedal down, one by one the notes accumulate into a harmony. The last note in the first measure (A♭) is a tritone away from the bass note … Read more
(Click here to view the part 1 of the series) Ostinato – Adding Instruments Ex. 1-1-C In Ex.1-1-C, we continue doubling to fortify the sound of our piece. Piano and viola double the cello ostinato, with the viola playing an octave higher. The sharp attack of the piano adds more bite to the staccato strings. Low … Read more
Characteristic Note of a Mode The characteristic note of a mode is a defining note that helps us distinguish one mode fromanother. Due to the ubiquitous use of major and minor keys in Western music, Western listeners are somewhat conditioned to the sounds of major and minor scales. Therefore, when we hear a mode, we … Read more
When it comes to harmonizing your music, exploring captivating techniques can elevate your compositions to new heights. One such technique is the use of cluster voicings. These voicings can be employed effectively throughout an entire passage, especially in action-driven scores where they have a significant impact. Cluster voicings offer a rich and dense harmonic texture, … Read more
What is a quartal harmony? Quartal harmony involves building chords by stacking 4th intervals. This approach differs from the “tertian” harmony (building chords in 3rds) that is typical of traditional Western music. Quartal harmony tends to sound modern, often sidestepping the emotional connotations carried by major and minor chords. In addition, the notes of a quartal … Read more
Minor Major 7th Chord Ah, the Minor Major 7th chord. Although it has an unusual name, the Minor Major 7th chord is simply a minor chord with the 7th note raised a half-step. To clarify, the 7th is raised from how it appears in the natural minor scale to how it would appear in the … Read more
