How Jacob Collier Uses Microtonality and Temperament

Summary

This video delves into Jacob Collier's innovative use of microtonality, pitch, and tuning in his music, highlighting his mastery of complex harmonic and rhythmic structures. It explores his unconventional approach to tuning, using systems like just intonation and equal temperament to create unique tonalities. The video breaks down specific examples of how Collier manipulates pitch to add color and emotion to his compositions, such as in songs like 'Hideaway' and 'In the Bleak Midwinter.' The video also draws parallels between Collier's work and other 20th- and 21st-century composers, showcasing his groundbreaking contributions to modern music.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jacob Collier's music blends simplicity with complex harmonic and rhythmic structures, making it captivating and immersive.
• 😀 He is transparent about his creative process, offering live streams, masterclasses, and sharing his methods for writing, recording, and editing music.
• 😀 Jacob Collier embraces the unexpected in music, incorporating complex rhythms and harmonies in an effortlessly natural way.
• 😀 Microtonality, tuning, and temperament are central to understanding Jacob Collier's approach to pitch and tonality in his compositions.
• 😀 Standard pitch (A=440Hz) is the foundation of tuning in western music, but the way intervals are structured can differ depending on the system used.
• 😀 Equal temperament, the most common tuning system, divides the octave into 12 equal semitones, but it is a choice, not a naturally occurring tuning system.
• 😀 Just intonation, based on the natural harmonic series, provides more accurate tuning by adjusting the relationship between notes for perfect consonance.
• 😀 Jacob Collier makes extensive use of different temperaments, particularly just intonation, to achieve varied tunings that create unique color and emotion in his music.
• 😀 In his song 'Hideaway', Jacob subtly shifts the pitch from A=432Hz to A=440Hz, enhancing the feeling of the song's opening and progression.
• 😀 One of Jacob Collier's boldest moments comes in his arrangement of 'In the Bleak Midwinter', where he uses a microtonal key (halfway between G and G# major), which adds depth and complexity without feeling forced.

Q & A

What makes Jacob Collier's music unique in terms of its harmonic and rhythmic structure?

Jacob Collier's music is unique because, on the surface, it appears simple and direct, but it contains complex harmonic and rhythmic structures beneath the surface. He often uses unexpected techniques, incorporating intricate rhythms and harmonies in a way that sounds effortless.

How does Jacob Collier approach music creation and sharing his methods?

Jacob Collier is highly transparent about his music creation process. He regularly shares his methods through live streams, master classes, and discussions on his songwriting, recording, and editing techniques. His enthusiasm for the process is as evident as his passion for the final product.

What is the difference between equal temperament and just intonation in music tuning?

Equal temperament divides the octave into 12 equal semitones, which are 100 cents apart, making it a compromise tuning system for practical use. Just intonation, on the other hand, is based on the natural harmonic series and uses pure intervals, resulting in different, often more 'in-tune' sounds, but it can be harder to apply to all instruments.

What role do microtones play in Jacob Collier's music?

Jacob Collier uses microtones to introduce subtle variations in pitch, allowing him to manipulate the tonality and create distinct musical colors. For example, he subtly shifts pitch in his songs, as seen in 'Hideaway', where he gradually transitions from A4=432Hz to A4=440Hz using microtonal techniques.

How does Jacob Collier use just intonation in his music?

Jacob Collier often uses just intonation to alter the tuning of certain intervals in his music. For example, in his arrangements, he uses just intonation to tune intervals like fourths and fifths differently from equal temperament, creating microtonal differences that add richness and depth to the sound.

Can you explain Jacob Collier's approach to pitch manipulation in 'Hideaway'?

In 'Hideaway', Jacob Collier subtly shifts the pitch throughout the song. He starts with a tuning of A4=432Hz, and by the end of the first verse, the pitch transitions to A4=440Hz. This shift is achieved through the use of microtonal adjustments, particularly by tuning the major third in the melody to shift the overall pitch gradually.

How does Jacob Collier's use of tuning systems relate to 20th and 21st-century composers?

Jacob Collier's approach to tuning, particularly his use of just intonation and microtones, is reminiscent of 20th and 21st-century composers like Julian Anderson and Gérard Grisey. These composers experimented with non-standard tunings to add color and depth to their compositions, similar to Collier's innovative use of pitch in his songs.

What is the significance of Jacob Collier's use of microtonal keys in his music?

Jacob Collier’s use of microtonal keys, such as the G♯ major key halfway between G and G♯ in 'In the Bleak Midwinter', showcases his bold and experimental approach to tonality. These microtonal shifts allow him to create unexpected and unique musical landscapes that feel organic and fit naturally within the context of the song.

How does Jacob Collier balance complex techniques with accessibility in his music?

Despite using complex techniques like microtones and non-standard tuning systems, Jacob Collier ensures his music remains accessible and engaging. His compositions manage to maintain a direct, uplifting, and emotionally compelling feel, blending intricate musical structures with a natural flow that resonates with listeners.

Why is Jacob Collier considered a once-in-a-generation artist?

Jacob Collier is considered a once-in-a-generation artist due to his remarkable ability to blend complex musical ideas with accessible and emotive melodies. His mastery of pitch, harmony, rhythm, and unconventional techniques, combined with his ability to break boundaries between musical genres, makes him a truly unique and influential figure in modern music.