Modulations

Question 1

big idea

Answer 1

• if one chord is borrowed from another key, it is the tonicization of a chord. if borrowing is prolonged or more involved, it can become a temporary or permanent modulation

Question 2

tale-tell signs of modulations are

Answer 2

• V-V/V-V-ii/V-V/V-V
• when listening to the piece, if it sounds like a V-I cadence after a prolonged dominant section in a different key, a modulation probably happened
• modulations have a pivot chord
• • a pivot chord (or common-chord) is a chord that is full member of both keys and can be analyzed in either, but is used as the transition to a new key
• • the chord that can work in both keys usually is a pivot chord. ex: in a major key is the same as in the respective V key
• • once you have determined a potential pivot chord, find out how the rest of the music functions

Question 3

finding out the pivot chords

Answer 3

• in both keys, write down the roman numerals and the chord name/quality
• look for dual-functioning chords
• • these are the potential pivot chords
• • be careful of the quality

Question 4

tonicization or modulation

Answer 4

• different people will hear and see these differently. if you can justify your decision, you will be fine
• to modulate, you need at least of of these
• • a PD-D-T progression in the new key
• • need a PAC or AC in the new key
• – this was preceded by a PD chord
• – this is followed by more music in the new key
• • an extended progression in the new key
• – not just a V-I
• often, the key to spotting modulation (visually) is the secondary functioning chords
• most of the time, the modulation will be closely related keys (relative M/m) or change of key signature by 1 accidental
• ways to look at it in terms of closely related keys:
• • cannot tonicize tonic (I) or leading tones ()
• – the rest of the scale degrees are possible
• • I and vi are connected (relative major and minor)
• • I to I (parallel relationship)
• • add a sharp and go to a dominant (V) or its relative minor (iii)
• • add a flat and go to the subdominant (IV) or its relative minor (ii)
• ear training will make these moments easier to hear

Question 5

the main difference between tonicization and modulation is that tonicization is a more permanent change

Answer 5

• false

Question 6

a pivot chord is _______

Answer 6

• a chord that fits into both the original key and modulating key that helps facilitate modulation

Question 7

in the key of C Major, a D Minor chord would be labeled ________

Answer 7

• ii

Question 8

which of the following do you not need to establish a modulation

Answer 8

• 16 bars of set up music

Question 9

it is more common to modulate to closely related keys rather than unrelated keys

Answer 9

• true