© 2002Normally the human voice range is the one that is most often used in music presented via radio, recordings, or TV programs.We are used to writing instrumental music that closely follows the ranges and interval distances of vocal music.
Modern music has its sights set on ranges and harmonies not normally used by human voices as one of the creative aspects available. Another creative aspect utilizes different melodic and harmonic use of notes via what is sometimes known as a "row". For the purposes of this lesson, a row is defined as a series of any notes that are arranged in a sequencial pattern for deriving melodic and harmonic structures, which in turn gives a feeling of "home".
A 12 tone row gives the feeling of "no" key, or "no home" reference tonality. All the chromatic tones are used.
Other types of "rows" are manipulated intentionally to limit the numbers of tones used.
To create an abstraction and yet give a feeling of tonality, or home, there needs to be some "glue" or other unifying factor holding the unit together, melodically and harmonically. Rhythm is given more freedom along with greater interval distances between melodic tones being sought for effect, affect, and freedom from normal constraints.
For lesson purposes a series of notes have been selected to illustrate the previous intention.
Here are 5 notes selected on a random basis. These notes form the elements for melody and the harmonic support. Both can be co-existing with interval and rhythmic shifts.
Bb, Db, Eb, G, Ab.
Now looking a little further, check the distance of whole and half steps between each of the notes. The "^" symbol is on the typewriter keyboard and indicates a half step. Two ^^ = 1 whole step
Bb to Db has a linear distance of 1 1/2 ^^^ whole steps, an interval of a minor 3rd.
Db to Eb = 1 whole step ^^ an interval of a major 2nd.
Eb to G = 2 whole steps ^^^^ an interval of a major 3rd. G to Ab = 1/2 step ^ an interval of a minor 2nd. Ab to Bb = 1 whole step or ^^ an interval of a major 2nd.
Note:Only 5 different notes are used in this series or rows. The starting and ending pitch are the same. Essentially the octave skip is available and is used as it would be in normal scales. in creating ROWS always include the octave, like Bb to Bb.
