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Modulation
Macro analysis can be a very helpful tool in identifying modulation. By using
the following strategy it may be easier to determine if a modulation exists.
For any section of music to be analyzed:
- Complete the ENTIRE section or piece with the letter names first, before
writing down even one roman numeral.
- After completing the letter names, go back and read through the analysis.
The letter names, representing either major, minor, augmented, or diminished
chords, may follow what would be expected in the key. However, pay particular
attention to places where the letters change from the established pattern set
up at the beginning of the piece, especially at the ends of phrases. In this
example, the V chord is represented by the letter Bb. When this chord appears
as a minor rather than major triad later in the example, it is an indication
of a modulation.
- Once a modulation is identified, scan around that area to determine where
the modulation begins and ends. Go backward as well as forward on the score.
Especially when the music modulates to a closely related key, the modulation
may not be readily apparent until a cadence in the new key. In order to determine
where the modulation begins, look backwards from that cadence.
- Complete slurs, roman numerals and inversions.
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