Klarinet Archive - Posting 000724.txt from 2002/07

From: w8wright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: [kl] Re: "Popular" vs. "Classical"
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 20:34:44 -0400

<><> Bear Woodson wrote:
[snip --- of explanation that "pop music" is being used in a derogatory
sense] They are usually little more than 5 chords or less, usually the
"4 Primary Chords"

I assume most people agree that a full palette is better than a skimpy
palette, but I want to comment that chords can be hidden or implied in a
phrase --- such that merely counting triads does not tell you much about
the variety of chords or sophistication built into a composition.

Also, too large a palette can result in little feeling of 'purpose' or
'really saying something'.

Hence I think your statement is an oversimplification.

A simple example is: When is an ascending 5-note scale merely a
scale, and when is it a chord with two embedded passing notes? The
dynamics can tilt the five notes in either direction.

Another simple example, which happens to occur in my song: I have
three consecutive 5-note runs that form ascending diatonic scales.
Each scale begins (and ends) on a different note. I've accented the
final note in each scale, and the result is that you hear a very delayed
progression of notes which form a 'vi' chord.

There's nothing spectacular about either example, but it's just to show
that there's more to a composition than counting the chords.

Cheers,
Bill

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