Tell me you aren't moved by this chord progression

Summary

This video explores the emotional power of a specific chord progression, dubbed 'Dunkirk progressions,' as seen in the film Atonement and across various musical genres. The speaker highlights how these progressions create a sense of longing and resolution, drawing connections from classical composers like Bach and Beethoven to modern songs such as Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah.' By dissecting notable musical examples, the video aims to equip viewers with tools to understand and appreciate these progressions' profound emotional impact, culminating in a discussion of Rachmaninov's masterful use of the concept.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The 'Dunkirk progression' refers to a specific chord progression highlighted in the film *Atonement*, known for its emotional impact.
• 📜 This progression appears across various music genres, from classical to pop, illustrating its widespread significance.
• 🎹 The main components of the Dunkirk progression are V (dominant), iii (3rd degree), and vi (relative minor), creating a poignant emotional arc.
• 🌊 The concept of 'The Big Sigh' encapsulates the emotional transition from the dominant chord to the relative minor, enhancing the sense of longing.
• 🎼 Composers like Beethoven and Bach have employed similar progressions, showcasing their ability to create rich emotional textures in music.
• ⚖️ Two families of Dunkirk progressions exist: 'Why Do We Fall' (which includes a sigh into the relative minor) and 'Full Steam Ahead' (which avoids this sigh).
• 🎵 The arrangement of chords and voice leading, such as stable bass lines and interesting inner voices, are key to crafting effective Dunkirk progressions.
• 💔 The emotional impact of the Rachmaninov passage analyzed derives from its 'souped-up' Dunkirk progression, demonstrating how tension builds in music.
• 🎤 The variations of the 3rd degree chord (e.g., minor vs. semi-diminished) influence the overall color and emotional direction of the progression.
• 🐌 A whimsical analogy about a climbing snail illustrates the incremental progress represented in Dunkirk progressions, emphasizing perseverance despite setbacks.

Q & A

What is the significance of the chord progression mentioned in the Atonement scene?

The chord progression, referred to as the Dunkirk progressions, is notable for its emotional impact, appearing in various forms across different musical genres, including classical and pop.

What are the two families of Dunkirk progressions introduced in the video?

The two families are called 'Why Do We Fall Progressions' and 'Full Steam Ahead Progressions.' The former allows the music to sigh into the relative minor, while the latter avoids this sighing and maintains forward momentum.

How does the 'Big Sigh' play a role in Dunkirk progressions?

The 'Big Sigh' consists of the chords V, iii, vi, where the music falters before resolving, creating a poignant emotional arc that composers use to enhance the music's expressiveness.

What does the speaker mean by referring to the emotional weight of the chord progressions?

The speaker highlights how certain chord progressions evoke strong emotional responses, often leading to feelings of nostalgia or poignancy, especially when paired with specific musical elements.

What is the impact of changing the third degree chord to a dominant in music, as discussed in the Ratatouille theme?

Changing the third degree to a dominant creates forward momentum and delays resolution, enhancing the musical narrative and emotional build-up.

How does Rachmaninov's music relate to the concepts discussed in the video?

Rachmaninov's compositions build on established Dunkirk progressions, using them to create intense emotional climaxes, particularly in his third piano concerto.

What are the characteristics of Full Steam Ahead Progressions?

These progressions generate energy by avoiding the sigh into the relative minor and instead turn it into a secondary dominant, directing momentum towards the second degree.

How does the speaker describe the musical technique used in Beethoven's compositions?

The speaker notes Beethoven's use of stable bass lines and inner voice movements that create a climbing, uplifting effect, characteristic of Dunkirk progressions.

What does the analogy of the snail climbing out of the well represent?

The snail analogy illustrates the struggle of progressing upward through Dunkirk progressions, where each gain in harmony is followed by setbacks, reflecting the emotional journey in the music.

How does the speaker relate Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' to Dunkirk progressions?

The speaker points out that Cohen's version of 'Hallelujah' incorporates a dominant chord at the third degree, which provides a brighter and more poignant feel compared to other versions.