Harmony for Composers (Part 7): Set Theory

Summary

In this video, the concept of set theory in music composition is explored, focusing on its chromatic and dissonant approach to harmony. Set theory challenges traditional triad-based structures, offering composers greater freedom in chord creation. The video discusses techniques like cluster chords, minor second chords, and the impact of octave displacement on sound. It also highlights how these methods are used in creating unsettling, suspenseful music in film, especially for horror genres. Practical examples are given, demonstrating how to use these techniques for maximum dissonance and tension, particularly through the use of strings and brass.

Takeaways

• 😀 Set theory is a radical, chromatic approach to harmony that emerged in the early 20th century as a rebellion against traditional triad-based functional harmony.
• 😀 Set theory uses numbers (0-11) to refer to pitches in a chromatic scale, where chords are formed by randomly combining notes and naming them based on their numerical positions.
• 😀 Cluster chords involve playing all the notes between two chosen notes, creating dissonant sounds due to continuous minor second intervals.
• 😀 Minor second chords consist of two separate minor second intervals, and are one of the most useful chord types in set theory, particularly for creating suspenseful or unsettling music.
• 😀 A popular minor second chord is the 0-1-6-7 chord, known for its role in creating eerie, unsettling music, and is often described as the 'new major triad' in modern music.
• 😀 Octave displacement, or separating notes by octaves, weakens the relationship between notes, reducing dissonance and making the intervals less crunchy.
• 😀 In set theory, composers have the freedom to create any harmonies without being constrained by diatonic structure or traditional harmony, allowing for innovative, avant-garde compositions.
• 😀 Voice leading is not always necessary in set theory; especially in creating unsettling or scary music, composers can intentionally avoid smooth transitions between notes to maintain dissonance.
• 😀 Brass instruments generally sound more dissonant and crunchy than strings and woodwinds due to their natural harmonic series, making them ideal for more intense or dissonant textures in scary music.
• 😀 The video emphasizes the importance of experimentation, showing how combining different clusters, voicing techniques, and instrumental textures can generate a variety of unsettling and dissonant effects in music.
• 😀 The series concludes with a reminder to keep experimenting with new techniques and encourages viewers to continue exploring different musical approaches, with the next series focusing on melody.

Q & A

What is set theory in music?

Set theory is a chromatic and dissonant approach to harmony that emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against traditional functional harmonies. It emphasizes freedom in choosing harmonies without adhering to key, function, or diatonic structure, often used in modern music and film scores.

How are the pitches of a chord represented in set theory?

In set theory, the pitches of a chord are represented by numbers based on a chromatic scale ranging from 0 to 11, with the root of the chord being assigned the number 0. For example, if C is the root, C is 0, C# is 1, D is 2, and so on.

What is a cluster chord in set theory?

A cluster chord consists of two notes played along with every single note in between them. For example, a cluster chord built from C to F would include C, C#, D, D#, E, and F. These chords are highly dissonant due to the use of minor second intervals.

What is the difference between a cluster chord and a minor second chord?

A cluster chord is a stack of continuous minor second intervals, while a minor second chord consists of two separate minor second intervals. Minor second chords are often more practical and commonly used in set theory for creating dissonant harmonies.

What is the significance of the zero-one-six-seven chord in set theory?

The zero-one-six-seven chord (C, C#, A, B) is a particularly popular chord in 20th-century modernist music. It is known for its unsettling and dissonant quality, making it useful in creating suspenseful or scary music, especially in film scores.

How does octave displacement affect the dissonance of a chord?

Octave displacement weakens the relationship between two notes. By moving notes further apart in octaves, the dissonance of the interval is reduced. For example, a minor second interval can become a minor ninth if separated by an octave, making it less dissonant.

What is the role of octave displacement in creating unsettling music?

Octave displacement is a useful tool in unsettling music, especially in horror and suspenseful soundtracks. By using larger intervals and displacing notes across octaves, composers can reduce harsh dissonances, making the music feel more unsettling and eerie.

How do different instruments contribute to the dissonance of set theory chords?

Instruments like strings and woodwinds generally produce less dissonance in set theory harmonies, while brass instruments create more intense dissonance due to their harmonic overtones. Brass instruments are especially useful when you want to enhance the dissonant, crunchy sound in horror music.

Why are cluster chords considered highly dissonant?

Cluster chords are made up of minor second intervals, which are some of the most dissonant intervals in western music. The close proximity of these notes creates a 'crunchy' and unresolved sound that is highly unsettling to the ear.

What practical advice does the script give for composing unsettling music?

The script suggests avoiding melodies in creepy music, focusing instead on dissonant bass lines and the use of clusters and minor second chords. Additionally, using harsh voice leading, abrupt transitions, and instruments like brass can enhance the unsettling atmosphere.