Unit 5-3: Chromatic Modulation

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Identify and define the concept of chromatic modulation and the techniques used to achieve it, including the use of chromatic passing tones and pivot chords.
Explain the theoretical basis for chromatic modulation and how it allows for smooth transitions between keys, providing examples from the reading.
Analyze musical excerpts that employ chromatic modulation, identifying the chords involved and discussing how the modulation is achieved and its impact on the harmonic structure.
Compare and contrast chromatic modulation with other modulation techniques, such as diatonic and enharmonic modulation, highlighting their unique characteristics and applications.
Compose short harmonic progressions that incorporate chromatic modulation, demonstrating an understanding of the theoretical concepts and practical applications of this technique.

Preparation for Class

Read:

Chromatic Modulation (Open Music Theory)
- - For additional examples see Modulation with Chromatic Pivot Chords and Modulations without Pivot Chords in Music Theory for Today's Musician

Watch

Modulation Part 2
(Kati Meyer, 10 mins)

Explore

Chord Player. Experiment with chord progressions that incorporate chromatic modulation. Try to compose two 4-bar phrases that modulate from one key to another using chromatic modulation.

Models based on the reading are provided below. Try editing these or making your own.:

C: | I V6 | I viiº6 |
A: iiº6 | Cad64 V7 | I | [Link]

C: | I V43 | I vi |
E: iv | iiø 7 V7 | I | [Link]

In-Class Activities

Discussion

Conceptual Understanding: What is chromatic modulation, and how does it differ from diatonic modulation? Provide examples from the reading to illustrate the key differences and similarities.
Techniques and Examples: Discuss the different types of chromatic modulation discussed in the reading. Analyze specific musical excerpts from the readings that utilize these techniques and describe how the modulation is executed.

Activities

Online Worksheets: Short answer, composition, and analysis
- - Mixed activities with solutions: See Exercises 4–10. (from Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom)
    - - Additional Worksheets: Worksheet 1, Worksheet 2
  - Short answer, partwriting, analysis: Music Theory for Today's Musician Workbook, pp. 195–207 (available online through the library)
Composition: Compose a one- or two-phrase chord progression that uses a chromatic modulation to modulate to a distantly-related key. Then, part-write that progression in 4-voice keyboard or chorale style. Swap with a partner to check voice leading. If there's time, add texture and a melody to your chord progression. (See sample accompanimental patterns in the anthology here.)
Recomposition: Pick an example from the Music Theory anthology that uses a diatonic pivot chord to modulate to a closely-related key. Recompose the example to modulate to a distantly-related key using a chromatic modulation. Excerpts that include diatonic pivot chord modulation can be found in the anthology here.

Repertoire for Practice

Full Score Analysis:
- - Emile Mayer, Three Songs, Op. 7, No. 1, “Du bist wie eine Blume”
    - - PDF | MuseScore | Audio
  - Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Valse de la Reine from Four Characteristic Waltzes, Op. 22
    - - PDF | Audio (from Expanding the Canon)
Anthology: Select examples from the anthology for listening and analysis.

Anthology: Modulation

NEXT STEP

Next Lesson: Enharmonic Reinterpretation

Practice

Musition: [levels]
Auralia: [levels]

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