J. Cornell
Published: 2014-11-10
Total Pages: 164
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From CHAPTER I. Modulation, in general. 1. To modulate, in the strict sense, is, in general, to pass by means of appropriate harmonies from one key to another. For the sake of terseness we will call the key just left the Old Key, the other one the New Key. By "appropriate harmonies" we mean in general such chords as form, in connection with a short harmonic formula called Cadence (see Chapter IX), a bond of union between the old Key and the new. The harmonies used in this work are exclusively major and minor Triads, as being the easiest chords to manage. 2. We may touch upon the domains of a foreign key without intending to leave the original key, - this would not be to modulate, in the strict sense. If, however, we not only pass over into the domains of a foreign key, but settle down in the key by means of its characteristic harmonies embodied in a Cadence, this plainly indicates the relinquishment of the original key, or, in other words, Digressive Modulation. Our means of modulation is, then, the Cadence, in conjunction with certain preceding Triads connecting it with the old key. 3. In our method we reach the new key in every case by means of one and the same simple Cadence-formula, which varies only according as it is to be used for the Major or the Minor Mode. The manner of proceeding is perfectly simple. The determination of the new key to which we are going, of course, also determines the Cadence as being in that key, and our task is to leave the old key by such of its harmonies as can be - as shortly as possible - properly connected (either immediately or mediately) with the Cadence itself. A homely illustration may serve to make this clear. We may imagine a railway-train, carrying with it an arrangement in the form of a movable switch, which can be laid down and stretched out as may be required, to enable the train to leave the main track and connect with auxiliary roads, each leading to a particular station, more or less remote. The Cadence may be likened to one of these auxiliary roads; for, as soon as we have safely made the connection (from the old key to the initial Triad of the Cadence) by means of the movable switch (the intermediate Triads, few or many), we leave the main track (the old key), and our task is as good as done, - the auxiliary road (the Cadence) will unerringly conduct us to the desired new station (the new key).