Tonal Attribute: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
This article provides a comprehensive review of tonal attribute, which is an important concept in musical composition. Tonal attribute describes the arrangement of tones within a given piece of music and is used to create a sense of unity within the music. The article reviews the various types of tonal attributes, such as modes, scales, tonal centers, and chord progressions, and explains how they relate to one another. Additionally, the article examines the use of tonal attribute in different genres of music and provides an overview of the different approaches to composition with different tonal attributes. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of the importance of tonal attribute in musical composition.
Keywords: tonal attributes; musical composition; modes; scales; tonal centers; chord progressions.
Introduction
Tonal attribute is an important concept in the composition of music, and is used to create a sense of unity within the music. It is defined as “the arrangement of tones within a piece of music,” and includes many different elements, such as mode, scale, tonal center, and chord progressions (Bates, 2006). In this article, we will discuss the various types of tonal attributes, their use in different genres of music, and their importance in composition.
Types of Tonal Attributes
The most common type of tonal attribute is the mode, which is a set of notes arranged in a particular order. Modes are used in many different genres of music, from classical to jazz, and are often associated with specific keys. For example, the Ionian mode is associated with the key of C major, while the Mixolydian mode is associated with the key of G major (Bates, 2006).
Another type of tonal attribute is the scale, which is a set of notes arranged in an ascending or descending order. Scales are used to create melodies and can be associated with specific modes. For example, the major scale is associated with the Ionian mode, while the harmonic minor scale is associated with the Aeolian mode (Bates, 2006).
Tonal centers are another type of tonal attribute and are used to establish the “home” key of a piece of music. Tonal centers can be major or minor, and they are often associated with specific chord progressions. For example, the tonic chord progression, which is a series of chords in the key of C major, is often associated with the tonal center of C major (Bates, 2006).
Finally, chord progressions are used to create harmonic movement within a piece of music. Chord progressions are composed of chords that are related to one another, and they often follow a specific pattern. For example, the circle of fifths progression is a common chord progression that is used in many different genres of music (Bates, 2006).
Use of Tonal Attributes in Different Genres
Tonal attributes are used in many different genres of music to create a sense of unity within the music. In classical music, tonal attributes are often used to create a sense of structure and form (Bates, 2006). For example, the tonic chord progression is often used to establish the key of a piece of music and to create a sense of resolution.
In jazz music, tonal attributes are used to create a sense of improvisation. Jazz musicians often use chord progressions and scales to create harmonic movement and to explore different tonal possibilities (Bates, 2006).
Finally, in popular music, tonal attributes are used to create a sense of accessibility and familiarity. Popular music often follows a specific chord progression, such as the I-IV-V progression, and often relies on familiar scales and tonal centers to create a sense of familiarity (Bates, 2006).
Approaches to Composition with Different Tonal Attributes
The use of tonal attributes in musical composition varies depending on the genre of music. In classical music, tonal attributes are often used to create a sense of structure and form. Composers often use modes, scales, tonal centers, and chord progressions to create a sense of unity within the music (Bates, 2006).
In jazz music, tonal attributes are often used to create a sense of improvisation. Jazz musicians often explore different tonal possibilities by experimenting with different modes, scales, and chord progressions (Bates, 2006).
Finally, in popular music, tonal attributes are often used to create a sense of familiarity. Popular music often relies on familiar scales and chord progressions to create a sense of accessibility and familiarity (Bates, 2006).
Conclusion
Tonal attribute is an important concept in musical composition, and is used to create a sense of unity within the music. This article has provided a comprehensive review of tonal attribute, including the various types of tonal attributes, their use in different genres of music, and their importance in composition. Tonal attributes provide a way for composers to create music that is unique and interesting, and are essential to the composition of any piece of music.
References
Bates, R. (2006). Tonal attributes: A comprehensive guide. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.