Modal Music Composition: Fourth Edition

Inhaltsangabe

Beethoven and Miles Davis not much connection, one would say, except that both had a serious interest in modal music at the height of their careers and used it in some of their finest pieces. In fact, modal passages were used extensively by noted composers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Surprisingly, this persistent interest by composers has not generated much in-depth coverage of modal music in instructional texts. This book, Modal Music Composition 4th Edition, therefore, fills the need by composers and songwriters alike for a comprehensive description and analysis of the melodic and harmonic characteristics of the modal scales and their interrelations. Numerous examples and tables provide important information in easy-to-use form. Only a modest knowledge of traditional (tonal) harmony and forms is necessary. No knowledge of modal music is assumed. Although composers have often used modal passages, it is acknowledged that the modal scales have less harmonic stability than the still predominant major-minor scales. To remedy this, Dr. Cormier has taken a fresh look at the modal scales and developed a systematic set of procedures that can maintain modal stability while retaining their special character. Three extended study compositions illustrate the procedures more vividly than standard examples. Some cognitive processes relevant to musical form and comprehension are discussed as well. Thus, Modal Music Composition (Fourth Edition) serves as a reference work unlikely to be superseded and also as a source of fresh ideas for composers and songwriters looking to use modal forms as an alternative to the tonal system. This edition adds a chapter for a short Modal Study Song and accompanying analysis. Audio files for the study compositions, many music examples as well as other materials can be downloaded or viewed at the Inman & Artz website in the Library section. If problems, then use the Contact Us menu option.

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