Take Note!
Phrygian and the Modes.
(Disclaimer - the following information could be hazardous to your health.) The song Phrygian, is actually based on the HypoPhrygian Mode. With all things being relative to the Key of C Major, the Phrygian Mode is based on the 3rd degree of C Major, or the note E. The HypoPhrygian Mode begins on the 7th degree of C Major, or, the note B. Whereas the Major Scale, whether it is based on C, E or B is always comprised of 2 whole steps, 1 half step, 3 whole steps and 1 half step. The HypoPhrygian Mode is always comprised of 1 half step, 2 whole steps, 1 half step and 2 whole steps. Based on these scale degrees, the HypoPhrygian Mode contains the Tri- Tone between the 1st degree to the 5th, whereas the Major Scale contains a Perfect 5th between those same degrees. Thus, the HypoPhrygian Mode, with it's Tri-Tone (or augmented 5th) lends itself nicely to a particularly dramatic quality of the 18th Century musical practice of "sturm und drang" (storm and stress). Theoretically then, the song Phrygian, even though it is composed in the HypoPhrygian Mode, with it's "sturm und drang " qualities, could be classified as a Neo - Classical composition. Personally however, I think it belongs in the category of a Driving Rock song!!!! To continue, once the main musical statement of Phrygian is presented in the HypoPhrygian Mode, the composition then modulates into the Parallel Minor Scale of the Phrygian Mode (otherwise known as E minor). However, as one might expect, at this point in time, there are some harmonic adjustments that need to be made. Normally the ascending 7th degree of a Minor Scale is raised (Melodic Minor) and the chord built on that scale degree is Diminished, but now the 7th degree is not altered, and the chord based on that scale degree is Major. Normally the chord built on the 5th degree of the Minor Scale is Major, (or the Dominant) but now the chord built on the 5th degree is Minor. Normally the 2nd degree of a Natural Minor Scale is 1 whole step, but now it becomes 1 half step with the Major chord built upon that scale degree in second inversion (otherwise known as a Neapolitan 6 Chord, with absolutely no relation to the ice cream!). Finally, the Dominant Chord does have it's 3rd raised 1 half step to become a Major Triad, thus leading the harmonic progression to a dramatic and powerful climax! Whew!!!!!! Then there is a recapitulation with a statement of the HypoPhrygian Mode in diminution followed by a short coda consisting of material from the Parallel E minor section. Let me know if this information helps you enjoy listening to Phrygian, or if you are running out of the room screaming with a migraine!?!?!
Phrygian and the Modes.
(Disclaimer - the following information could be hazardous to your health.) The song Phrygian, is actually based on the HypoPhrygian Mode. With all things being relative to the Key of C Major, the Phrygian Mode is based on the 3rd degree of C Major, or the note E. The HypoPhrygian Mode begins on the 7th degree of C Major, or, the note B. Whereas the Major Scale, whether it is based on C, E or B is always comprised of 2 whole steps, 1 half step, 3 whole steps and 1 half step. The HypoPhrygian Mode is always comprised of 1 half step, 2 whole steps, 1 half step and 2 whole steps. Based on these scale degrees, the HypoPhrygian Mode contains the Tri- Tone between the 1st degree to the 5th, whereas the Major Scale contains a Perfect 5th between those same degrees. Thus, the HypoPhrygian Mode, with it's Tri-Tone (or augmented 5th) lends itself nicely to a particularly dramatic quality of the 18th Century musical practice of "sturm und drang" (storm and stress). Theoretically then, the song Phrygian, even though it is composed in the HypoPhrygian Mode, with it's "sturm und drang " qualities, could be classified as a Neo - Classical composition. Personally however, I think it belongs in the category of a Driving Rock song!!!! To continue, once the main musical statement of Phrygian is presented in the HypoPhrygian Mode, the composition then modulates into the Parallel Minor Scale of the Phrygian Mode (otherwise known as E minor). However, as one might expect, at this point in time, there are some harmonic adjustments that need to be made. Normally the ascending 7th degree of a Minor Scale is raised (Melodic Minor) and the chord built on that scale degree is Diminished, but now the 7th degree is not altered, and the chord based on that scale degree is Major. Normally the chord built on the 5th degree of the Minor Scale is Major, (or the Dominant) but now the chord built on the 5th degree is Minor. Normally the 2nd degree of a Natural Minor Scale is 1 whole step, but now it becomes 1 half step with the Major chord built upon that scale degree in second inversion (otherwise known as a Neapolitan 6 Chord, with absolutely no relation to the ice cream!). Finally, the Dominant Chord does have it's 3rd raised 1 half step to become a Major Triad, thus leading the harmonic progression to a dramatic and powerful climax! Whew!!!!!! Then there is a recapitulation with a statement of the HypoPhrygian Mode in diminution followed by a short coda consisting of material from the Parallel E minor section. Let me know if this information helps you enjoy listening to Phrygian, or if you are running out of the room screaming with a migraine!?!?!
Ciao,
"Remember, as you go through life, don't B flat, don't B sharp, just B natural." Mozart - the other Mozart - our Golden Retriever.
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