The Harmony in Tippett's Concerto for Double String Orchestra is derived mostly through his use of counterpoint between the highly independent melodies as there is a lack of block chords. Instances of harmonic punctuation are unconventional such as augmented triads beginning at bar 118 showing his use of non-functional harmony. In bar 91 in the changeover to the key of F minor, Tippett uses added Sixths. Tippett's use of modes in this piece reflects the harmonic language of his writing with many false relations such as in bar 5. His modality is present in the cadences, which are sparse in this work, with a phrygian cadence in bar 20 and an extended modal cadence based around a flattened 7th leading to the tonic chord with no thirds. This also demonstrates tonal ambiguity. Ambiguity of key is also demonstrated in bars 85 to 89 when pandiatonicism is used, removing the focus of any key despite C sharp minor being established. Despite the harmony being mostly non-functional, occasions of traditional harmony are present such as a perfect cadence in G at bars 45 to 47.
The tonality that Tippett employs is one which relies heavily on modes, and the lack of certain characteristic pitches causes tonal ambiguity. He uses atonality with tonal centres beginning on A then moving to C at bar 21, G at bar 39 then E at bar 68. The piece opens in the Aeolian mode then the transition that follows is in the phrygian mode. E flat major is shown in bar 97 which moves to A flat at bar 107. The whole tone scale is used in some melodic patterns after this. The piece expresses variable tonality by having alternative notes within a standard mode, shown in the opening where the Aeolian and Mixolydian mode play as well as hints of pentatonicism. Despite this, the piece still displays diatonicism such as at bar 90-91 when a clear movement from the tonic to the dominant occurs.
Very well written, as for the contents all accurate and well put with the exception of you comparing augmented triads to harmonic punctuation. Points well illustrated. Confident
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