Difference between revisions of "Modulation"
(added popular music example) |
DavidB4-bot (talk | contribs) (→top: Category) |
||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
In popular music, it is not uncommon to modulate up a major second, not with a cadence but simply by raising all the notes in the verse or chorus by a whole tone. This often indicates the end of a song and reduces monotony, however, the technique's overuse might be considered by some to be in poor taste. | In popular music, it is not uncommon to modulate up a major second, not with a cadence but simply by raising all the notes in the verse or chorus by a whole tone. This often indicates the end of a song and reduces monotony, however, the technique's overuse might be considered by some to be in poor taste. | ||
| − | [[Category:Musical | + | [[Category:Musical Terms]] |
Latest revision as of 15:29, July 28, 2016
A work of tonal music modulates when it changes key. Typically, this is achieved by a the use of a cadence in the new key, in particular a movement from the dominant seventh of the new key to the tonic. A cadence is essentially a musical grammatical mark, like a period, denoting the end of an idea. Additionally, a cadence has a strong key defining effect. So if a composer can smoothly work in a cadence from the new key, there is a sense of continuity between the new and original key.
In popular music, it is not uncommon to modulate up a major second, not with a cadence but simply by raising all the notes in the verse or chorus by a whole tone. This often indicates the end of a song and reduces monotony, however, the technique's overuse might be considered by some to be in poor taste.