Final

Definition

In music theory, the term 'final' refers to the note or pitch that serves as the endpoint of a melodic or harmonic progression, often creating a sense of resolution. This concept is closely tied to modal theory, where the final note establishes the tonal center of a mode, affecting how melodies are constructed and perceived.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In modal theory, each mode has its own final note that determines its unique character and tonal quality.
2. The final is not only important for establishing resolution but also affects how composers and performers approach melody and harmony.
3. In medieval music, the final often coincided with the most stable pitch of a chant or piece, marking its completion.
4. Different modes can have different finals, which means a piece can have varied emotional qualities based on its modal structure.
5. Composers would often emphasize the final through melodic contour or harmonic support to create a powerful sense of closure in their music.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of final play a role in determining the tonal center of different modes?
  • The final acts as the anchor point for each mode, establishing its tonal center and influencing the overall sound and feel of musical pieces. For instance, in Dorian mode, the final would be D, while in Phrygian mode, it would be E. This distinction impacts how melodies are structured and resolved within each modal context, guiding composers in their use of pitch.
• Discuss the relationship between final and authentic cadences in creating musical resolution.
  • The final is integral to achieving resolution in music, especially through authentic cadences. An authentic cadence typically resolves from the dominant chord back to the tonic, which often coincides with the final note of a melody. This creates a strong sense of closure and completion, reinforcing the importance of the final note in marking the end of a musical phrase.
• Evaluate how modal interchange influences the perception of final within various musical contexts.
  • Modal interchange allows composers to borrow elements from parallel modes, which can shift the perception of what constitutes a final note in a piece. For example, introducing chords from a related mode may alter where listeners expect resolution to occur. This flexibility adds complexity to compositions, inviting reinterpretation of melody and harmony while simultaneously challenging traditional notions of finality in music.

Related terms

Tonic: The tonic is the first note of a scale or key, serving as the primary tonal center from which other notes and chords are derived.

Authentic Cadence: An authentic cadence is a musical term that describes a progression from the dominant chord to the tonic chord, creating a strong sense of resolution and closure.

Modal Interchange: Modal interchange refers to the practice of borrowing chords or notes from parallel modes, influencing how melodies can resolve to their final notes.