The subject of classical harmony necessitates a deep examination of the interrelationships between different tonalities. This interrelation, first of all, is carried out by the similarity of several tonalities with common sounds (including key signs) and is called relatedness of tonalities.
Before it is necessary to clearly understand that, in principle, there is no universal system that determines the degree of relatedness of tonalities, since each composer perceives and implements this relationship in his own way. However, nevertheless, some systems, for example, Rimsky-Korsakov, Kotenin, Hindemith, and a few other musicians have firmly established themselves in musical theory and practice.
The degree of relatedness of tonalities is determined by the proximity of these tonalities to each other. Criteria of proximity - the presence of common sounds and consonances (mainly triad). It's simple! The more in common, the closer the connection!
Explanation! Just in case, the textbook Dubovsky (that is, the brigade textbook on harmony) gives a clear position on kinship. In particular, it is rightly observed that the key signs are not the main sign of kinship, and, moreover, it is purely nominal, external. But what really matters is the triad on the steps!
The degree of kinship of tonalities in Rimsky-Korsakov
The most common (in terms of the number of adherents) system of kinship ties between keys is the Rimsky-Korsakov system. There are three degrees or levels of kinship.
First degree relationship
This includes 6 tonalitieswhich for the most part differ by one key sign. These are those tonal systems, the tonic triads of which are built on the steps of the gamut of the original tonality. It:
- parallel tonality (all sounds are the same);
- 2 tones - dominant and parallel to it (the difference in one sound);
- 2 more tones - subdominant and parallel to it (also a difference of one key sign);
- and the last, the sixth, tonality - here are exceptions that need to be remembered (in major, this is the tonality of the subdominant, but taken in the minor harmonic variant, and in minor, the tonality of the dominant, also taken in view of the alteration of the seventh degree in harmonic minor, and therefore ).
Second degree of kinship
In this group 12 tonalities (of which 8 are of one fret inclination with the initial tonality, and 4 - of the opposite). Where does the series of these keys come from? Everything here is like in network marketing: partners are already looking for the first-degree keys already found - their own set of keys ... first degree! That is related to related!
By golly, everything, as in mathematics, was six, for each of them six more, and 6x6 only 36 - some kind of beyond! In short, only 12 new ones are selected from all found keys (they appear for the first time). They will form a circle of the second degree of kinship.
Third degree relationship
As you have probably already guessed, the tonalities of the 3rd degree of kinship are the tonality of the first degree of kinship to the tonalities of the 2nd degree of kinship. Related to related related. So here! The increase in the degree of kinship is the same algorithm.
This is the weakest level of connection between tonalities - they are very far from each other. This includes five tonalities, which, when compared with the original, do not detect a single common triad.
The system of four degrees of relationship of keys
In the brigade textbook (Moscow school - they inherit the traditions of Tchaikovsky) not three, but as many as four degrees of relatedness of tonalities are proposed. There is no weighty difference between the Moscow and St. Petersburg systems. It consists only in that in the case of a system of four degrees of the second degree are divided into two.
Finally ... Why do we need to understand these degrees? And without them, like a good life! The degree of relatedness of keys, or rather their knowledge, will be useful when playing modulations. For example, about how to play modulation in the first degree of major, read here.
P.S. Have a rest! Do not be bored! Watch the video we prepared for you. No, this is not the cartoon about Masyanya, this is Joplin's ragtime:
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