Table of Contents
Polytonal music, a technique where multiple keys are used simultaneously, often employs various intervallic structures to create tension and color. One such interval that has gained attention is the secundal interval, which spans a second. Analyzing its use provides insight into the harmonic language of modern and early 20th-century compositions.
Understanding Secundal Intervals
A secundal interval is any interval of a second, which can be either major or minor. These intervals are considered dissonant and are used to generate a sense of instability or movement within a piece. In polytonal music, secundal intervals often serve as the harmonic building blocks that link different tonal centers.
Historical Context and Usage
Composers such as Arnold Schoenberg and Igor Stravinsky frequently employed secundal intervals in their atonal and polytonal works. For instance, Schoenberg’s serial compositions often feature clusters and chords built on seconds, creating dense textures that challenge traditional harmonic conventions.
Examples in Composition
- Schoenberg’s “Pierrot Lunaire”: Utilizes clusters based on seconds to evoke eerie atmospheres.
- Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring”: Features sections where secondary intervals contribute to the primal and raw sound.
Functions of Secundal Intervals in Polytonality
Secundal intervals serve various functions in polytonal compositions:
- Creating tension: The dissonance of seconds heightens emotional intensity.
- Linking tonal centers: Seconds can smoothly transition between different keys or modes.
- Forming clusters: Multiple seconds stacked create dense harmonic textures.
Conclusion
The use of secundal intervals in polytonal compositions exemplifies how composers manipulate dissonance to expand harmonic language. Recognizing these intervals enhances our understanding of modern harmony and the expressive possibilities within polytonality.