question
Compose a musical passage that explores the melodic and harmonic possibilities of polymodal chromaticism
Polymodal chromaticism is the use of more than one mode (music) at a time.
Usually, the layered modes share the same tonic, like (e.g.) C Dorian & C Lydian. It’s so named due to the fact it’s possible to obtain the chromatic scale (all 12 possible notes in the Western tradition).
X:1
T:C Dorian
K:C dorian
L:1/4
c, d, e, f, g, a, b, ]
X:1
T:C Lydian
K:C lydian
L:1/4
c, d, e, f, g, a, b, ]
Polymodal chromaticism allow you to alternate between the modes, or use tones belonging to either simultaneously for harmony, greatly expanding the musical palette.
So…
I want to continue experimenting with Japanese folk music. So, I’m thinking that instead of using 2 Western (Greek) modes, I’ll use 2 Japanese modes.
The biggest issue I see is combining Western and Japanese music theory. The purpose of this exercise is to explore polymodal chromaticism, and the harmonic possibilities using it, and Japanese traditional music doesn’t really utilize harmony in the same way as Western music.
There’s always the shin Nihon ongaku route (that is, combining traditional Japanese music with Western influences).
Important thing is I need to try not to get too hung up on the folk music aspect & just focus on writing a song. I’m thinking sticking with ambient might be a good approach.
To get started, I revisited some research on Japanese modes. I need to pick 2 to combine, and a tonic (stopping) note… I’m also considering looking into the scale Enka uses…