PLEASE WATCH VIDEO ABOVE FOR DETAILED EXPLANATION AND EXAMPLES/CONCEPTS
What is PolyModal Chromaticism?
PolyModal Chromaticism is the concept of employing 2 modes at once.
In the example below we can see that C Phrygian and C Lydian create a chromatic scale when joined together.
But, on a much more interesting note we can join together other modes and create something extra special.
For example, C Dorian with C Lydian creates a 10 note scale.
What is striking is that we find chords that exist, but, do NOT belong to either mode.
For instance, C Diminished, D Augmented, E flat Augmented, E Diminished, F# Augmented, G Augmented, B flat Augmented, B Diminished.
This makes it very useful to “Re harmonise” and create an original, fresh sounding music. We have chords belonging to neither modal centre and this opens up fresh thinking/hearing out of the box possibilities.
Remember: We can also superimpose these chords together.
A good book for Poly Modality is Vincent Persichetti’s book “Twentieth Century Harmony”
[Best to hire from a Library as it can be expensive]
We can also make cool chromatic improvising licks from this.
Here are “Triads” in triplets that exist, but, are from neither modal centre.
BELOW: PDF DOWNLOAD:
Here are the major modes with C as the Parent Key [or Root]: Try playing any two at once and try out different rhythms and dynamics like legato, staccato, etc. You will find all sorts of weird and wonderful combinations. You will discover rich colourful vibrant harmony and fresh original ideas with the modes in this way. It really is a cliche buster. This musical concept is excellent for orchestration, film composing, improvisation and concert hall composition as we find in the great works of the 20c classical composers like Ravel and Bartok.
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