Monthly Archives: November 2014

Descending Tetrachords: Muse and Handel are both sad

Posted on November 23, 2014 by timchenette

The term “descending tetrachord,” also “lament bass,” generally refers to a descent in a bass line by step from tonic to dominant, especially in a minor key. In its simplest form, the difference between the stable first and last pitches (do, sol) … Continue reading →

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The Lydians

Posted on November 13, 2014 by timchenette

The Simpsons’ theme song, by Danny Elfman, isn’t exactly pop, rock, or jazz, but it obviously has a clear connection to pop culture, so here it is. Sorry for all the errors in the transcription, especially in rhythms. One of … Continue reading →

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Modes in “classical,” rock, and jazz

Posted on November 4, 2014 by timchenette

The Modes are, and have been, a huge number of different things to different people. My best understanding of their early history is something like: the Byzantine octoechos system was somehow merged with less-systematic Northern European tonaries (groupings of melodies … Continue reading →

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Secondary Dominants in Rock and Pop

Posted on November 3, 2014 by timchenette

Here’s how you know Bruno Mars is sad. At about 1:04 (YouTube)/0:51 (Spotify) in the song below, he cycles through a standard IV V I progression a few times. At 1:20/1:09, he replaces the final I with a deceptive vi, followed … Continue reading →

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