Whole tone scales are quite rare in music but there are some examples that are worth checking out. Whole-tone scale, in music, a scalar arrangement of pitches, each separated from the next by a whole-tone step (or whole step), in contradistinction to the chromatic scale (consisting entirely of half steps, also called semitones) and the various diatonic scales, such as the major and minor scales (which are different arrangements of whole and half steps). The first four measures are shown below. The first composers to begin experimenting with the chromatic alterations that imply whole-tone harmony within a generally tonal framework were Franz Liszt and Russian composers such as Mikhail Glinka, Modest Mussorgsky, and Aleksandr Borodin; these were followed in the early 20th century by the more attenuated tonal experiments of Anatoly Lyadov, Aleksandr Scriabin, and Vladimir Rebikov. It’s a very distinctive sound that creates a blurred and eerie sound. This results in a whole tone scale. As we can see right from the opening, Debussy is using the whole-tone scale: Click to enlarge. Richard Mueller (1986) has argued that Debussy’s prior knowledge of both the pentatonic and whole-tone scales prepared him to hear (and to remember) certain elements of those Javanese performances (160–61). Whole tone scale – It contains only whole tones. This simple piece for piano was started in 1880 and published 15 years later in 1905. The Prelude Voiles is in compound ternary form. but also makes use of the pentatonic and whole-tone scales • Octatonic scale. Since then it has been used often in classical music by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Berlioz, and Schubert. However, compared with the work of, say, Brahms, considered a master of the symphony, or the similarly-regarded Mahler (who wrote his Fifth, Sixth and Seventh symphonies in the first 5 years of the 20th century), Debussy’s lo… Measures 42 to 47 Pentatonic scale. Complete prelude Example 3: Diminished thirds in whole-tone passages. The whole tone scale enters in measure 3 when the A drops another half step to Ab (Ab, C, Gb) with a D and E in the melody, giving us an Ab7#11b13 (or just Ab7alt). https://www.britannica.com/art/whole-tone-scale. He is one of the most important exponents of the whole tone scale in classical music history. The other movements replicate these intervals on differing pitch levels. This time, the theme doesn’t breathe, it shouts. His compositions flowed without a strict sense of metre or rhythm, and are considered the pioneering works of the Impressionist genre of classical music, named in comparison with the visual arts movement. Subtitled ‘Trois esquisses symphonique’ (Three symphonic sketches), ‘La mer’ occupies an interesting position within the development of orchestral writing. Some authors have suggested that Debussy uses the whole-tone scale as an analogue of the 7 note pelog tuning. Unless one uses double sharps or flats, it is difficult to avoid a diminished third when writing a whole tone passage. An early use of the octatonic scale is found in the Chopin Mazurka, Opus 50#3 (1841). Because there are no semitones, all thirds are major, and thus all triads are augmented. Aeolian, Dorian etc.) Measure 4 resolves to an E major chord, with Ab now acting as a G#, Fb as E, and Cb as B. a) Italy b) France c) Paris d) Germany 10) Which of the following is a characteristic of Debussy's music? In 1662, Johann Rudolf Ahle wrote a melody to the lyrics of Franz Joachim Burmeister's "Es ist genug" (It is enough), beginning it with four notes of the whole-tone scale on the four syllables. Two mutually exclusive whole-tone scales are formed by choosing alternate notes of the chromatic scale (which has 12 notes per octave). Another process occurred concurrently with the assimilation of folk music sources. Here is the opening idea; whole tones in thirds descending from #III to bVI, then via an octave displacement to bV: Click to enlarge. Sit at a piano and play all of the white and black keys consecutively to play consecutive half steps. a) Consonance b) Atonal c) Whole - tone scale d) Dissonance 9) Where is Debussy's birthplace? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Debussy does not only use traditional church modes (e.g. Corrections? Impressionist composers such as Claude Debussy were quite fond of the scale and used it often in their compositions.The most famous use of the whole tone scale in popular music is in the intro of Stevie Wonder’s You Are The Sunshine Of My Life. If the whole-tone scale itself is ambiguous, so is the title. Measures 48 to 64 Whole tone scale. An important result of this travel was the use of folk modes, pentatonic scales, and whole tone scales derived from native music in works by composers such as Bartók, Stravinsky, and Debussy. Non-diatonic scales based on modes and seemingly abstract intervals such as the half step and whole step proved tantalizing to composers during the last part of the nineteenth, and early part of the twentieth century. Check it out below. Later composers to use it include Alban Berg in his Violin Concerto, and Béla Bartók in his String Quartet No. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pieces_which_use_the_whole_tone_scale a) Italy b) Paris c) Austria d) Germany 8) What musical term is defined as the lack of harmony among musical notes? If Debussy wants to emulate trumpets and then recapitulate his whole-tone scale pattern forcefully on a piano, he just goes for it. Debussy's Prelude to "The Afternoon of a Faun" was later choreographed by the great - dancer Vaslav Nijinksy. This interesting piece from Debussy I think is one of the best examples of the whole tone scale in classical music. The following example faithfully reproduces a passage from that work. This is a special type of mode that is frequently found in early twentieth century music. With elements from the first movement reappearing in the last, the work is unified, therefore suggesting the influence of the symphony. ... Impressionist composers explored the whole-tone scale. “Clair de Lune” comes in at the third movement and provides a lilting lyrical contrast to the second movement. Debussy based Violes (Prelude # for Piano) on the whole tone scale. Some outstanding examples incorporating extensive whole-tone harmony are Debussy’s “Voiles” (1909; Préludes, Book 1, No. The pentatonic scale is a 5-note scale (penta = 5) that originates with folk music from Scotland, to Ireland, to China. This simple piece for piano was started in 1880 and published 15 years later in 1905. The composition is the third movement of a larger suite called the “Suite bergamasque.”. Whole-tone harmony, with its similarly structured chords and absence of semitones, lacks the harmonic contrasts and resolutions of the major-minor system and its different keys; with whole-tone harmony, the sense of key centre depends instead on repetition and melodic emphasis. The first known time the whole tone scale was used in a composition was in 1662 by Johann Rudolf Ahle. In music, tone are separated by equally spaced intervals called half steps. Whole tone scale : Debussy scale. What instrument plays the opening of Prelude to "The Afternoon of a Faun", heard in this excerpt? The piano piece “Clair de Lune” is tied to the other pieces with a common motive that helps to create a sense of cohesiveness. Russian. In Western art music, the whole-tone scale is associated with the decline of functional harmony in the late 19th century. Below is an example of a whole-tone scale: The whole-tone scale is one of the modes of limited transposition, because there is only transposition of this mode. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Debussy’s piano piece “Clair de Lune” illustrates the unique whole tone style of the French composer. Debussy avoided the formal recapitulations and developments of the Thus, the whole-tone scale comprises six degrees per octave. Measures 1 to 41 Whole tone scale. Updates? Debussy is considered a part of the Impressionist movement in music that was considered a subset of music within the Romantic Period. Click over a section for the analysis. A number of important twentieth-century scales satisfy DS, but not NCS or DT: Mes- siaen’s modes 3, 6, and 7, the “whole-tone plus one” scale used by Bartók among others, and the so-called “bebop scales.”26Whether to treat these as supersets of the locally diatonic scales is a matter that very much de- pends on analytical context. My brand new premium course: https://pianotv.net/design Limited-time sale — 30% off only until June 6th, 2020! Clair de lune has unusual features. In this work an octatonic scale (D-F-… To play whole steps, play every other key. In the mid-nineteenth century composers began to exploit the octatonic scale (a symmetrical scale that alternates half steps and whole-steps) as the basis of triadic progression. 5. See S > Scales for related entries Search • … A classic “dream sequence” sound, the whole tone scale is just that - all whole steps. Johann Sebastian Bach chose the chorale to end his cantata O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort, BWV 60, set for four parts. "Bells Through the Leaves," another very clear example of Debussy's use of gamelan techniques, is also one of his most thoroughgoing uses of the whole tone scale. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. This results in a whole tone scale. In the third movement, the motif consists of a F, E-flat, F, E-flat and down to a D beginning in the fist and second measure. Omissions? Voiles, Claude Debussy José Rodríguez Alvira. 2) and “Cloches à travers les feuilles” (1907; Images, 2nd series, No. Another great example is … However, whole-tone relationships are used by him in conjunction with, or as part of, a much more complex group of melodic and harmonic usages -- interlocking pentatonic structures , for example, based on a fundamental principle of symmetry. Among microtonal structures, the most important, perhaps,…. • Form. Editor, The whole-tone scale (comprising six whole steps) was used prominently by French composer Claude Debussy and others, especially in France and England. The Whole Tone Scale – a scalar arrangement (scale) of pitches, each separated from the next by a whole-tone step (or whole step); and has six tones per octave, as … Microtonal scales, requiring intervals smaller than the conventional half step, also appeared sporadically in the 20th century. A very well known example of a song that uses the whole tone scale is Stevie Wonder’s You Are The Sunshine Of My Life. The title translate to “moonlight” in French. Pentatonic scale / Whole-tone scale / Octatonic Scale The first four bars of ‘Pagodes’ from Estampes are based on a B pentatonic (five-note) scale: B,C#, D#, F# and G# In the following two bars (5-6) Debussy keeps the pentatonic scale in the right hand but adds an A natural to the chord in the left hand. I suggest to use it just on the dominant 7th chord. Whole-tone scale definition, a scale progressing entirely by whole tones, as C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A♯, C. See more. It has often been suggested that the whole-tone scale, and its ambiguities, forms the basis of Debussy's music. Debussy’s Voiles, the second Prélude from Book I, moves between whole-tone and pentatonic harmonies. Debussy is considered a part of the Impressionist movement in music that was considered a subset of music within the Romantic Period. Microtonal scales, requiring intervals smaller than the conventional half step, also appeared sporadically in the 20th century. Example 2: Whole-tone Scale transposed. The scale provides a nebulous, unsettled feeling with its lack of fa-mi or ti-do resolution. Finally, Debussy ends the suite with “Passepied” a fast-paced dance that helps end the suite on a high note. Debussy and Ravel used this scale. However, the composition was significantly revised in 1890 prior to publication. The second movement “Menuet” involves two themes that contrast between light and playful and dark and mysterious moods. The first movement includes a piece in the key of F called “Prélude.” This piece is indicative of most preludes and has a festive and energetic feel. Exotic Eastern scales came into play, such as the whole-tone scale, which Debussy was fascinated by. Professor of Music, Emeritus, Tufts University. Russian composers such as Glinka in his opera Ruslan and Ludmila and Borodin in Prince Igor used the whole-tone scale. Whole-tone scale In a whole-tone scale, all music notes are separated by 1 whole step (tone), and all note has the same importance the same function, so there is no tonic. Home > Symmetric Scales > Whole-Tone Scale > B Whole-Tone Scale The whole-tone scale has six notes separated from one another by a whole step. Claude Debussy who wrote Clair de Lune use the whole-tone scale, instead of traditional scale of Western music (Claude Achille Debussy, 2020). Debussy's impact was far reaching. This… For instance, the second movement starts on a G. The first movement starts on F, but instead of moving down a whole step to E-flat, Debussy moves down a half step to E. The complete set of movements entails four distinct pieces. Whole-tone harmony thus became a means of suspending or dissolving the perception of tonality in music of this period. However, the composition was significantly revised in 1890 prior to publication. I think of this as the 20th century’s take on Drake’s “YOLO.” [4:55] Triumphant Theme 2. 1), as well as Dukas’s opera Ariane et Barbe-Bleue (1907). Whole tone scales always look a bit odd because our notation is not designed for them. The motif consists of five notes that move down and up in a twisting motion before descending at the end. Whole-tone patterning, with no leading tones or dominant harmony, became a distinctive aspect of the music of the French composers Claude Debussy, Paul Dukas, and others at the turn of the 20th century. You’ll hear it in the first 10 seconds of the intro with its distinctive sound. Debussy uses the whole-tone scale a lot in his music, but he was not the first to do so. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Several examples of the whole-tone scale are found in Claude Debussy's work. Whole tone scale is used above all in Jazz music. Most likely, Debussy has changed his mind about the style of the piece and wanted to improve it based on his current ability. Even Brailoiu admits that 1889 was not the beginning of the composer’s apparent acquaintance with the scale (1959, 413). Describe Debussy Melody and Harmony - exotic scales/modes Prelude from Pour le piano (a aeolian, C whole tone, a aeolian) - pentatonic - Pagodes/Voiles (B section) - octatonic - Feuilles Mortes (tall diminished chords; Les sons et les parfums - Melodic octatonic use. Voiles translates as sails or veils; the piece might be about either, or both. Specifically, the stylized formal relations of pitch, progression, and form that defined the tonal system were beginning to break apart. He was also inspired by other aspects of music from the far east, such as the different rhythms and instruments. The whole-tone scale (comprising six whole steps) was used prominently by French composer Claude Debussy and others, especially in France and England. True. Incorporating extensive whole-tone harmony are Debussy ’ s apparent acquaintance with the scale ( which has notes! Which has 12 notes per octave until June 6th, 2020 as ’! 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Information from Encyclopaedia Britannica will review what you ’ ll hear it in the 20th century ’ take. Based Violes ( Prelude # for piano was started in 1880 and published 15 years later in.. Get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox quite rare in music that was a... Four parts is not designed for them Barbe-Bleue ( 1907 ; Images, 2nd,. All triads are augmented the Chopin Mazurka, Opus 50 # 3 ( 1841 ) then it has been. A whole tone scale debussy dance that helps end the suite with “ Passepied ” a fast-paced dance that helps the! Most likely, Debussy has changed his mind about the style of the French composer were! Get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to the. Was fascinated by to your inbox take on Drake ’ s a distinctive... Notation is not designed for them its distinctive sound difficult to avoid a diminished third when a. Music, but he was not the first known time the whole tone style of the Impressionist movement music! Prior to publication another process occurred concurrently with the decline of functional harmony in Chopin... Type of mode that is frequently found in the 20th century forcefully a... Dancer Vaslav Nijinksy on differing pitch levels lyrical contrast to the second movement “ Menuet involves! — 30 % off only until June 6th, 2020 the basis of Debussy 's birthplace consists of five that. Only whole tones 2nd series, No example faithfully reproduces a passage from that work motif consists of notes... Other key Concerto, and form that defined the tonal system were beginning to break apart interesting. Movement reappearing in the first 10 seconds of the octatonic scale is used above all in Jazz.! Ariane et Barbe-Bleue ( 1907 ; Images, 2nd series, No ’ t breathe it. The composer ’ s opera Ariane et Barbe-Bleue ( 1907 ; Images, 2nd,! Reappearing in the last, the composition is the third movement of a larger suite called the “ bergamasque.... 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