Pedal point

Pedal tone example

pedalpoint

File:Purcell Fantazia upon One Note.wav

Purcell Fantazia upon One Note

File:J.S.Bach, concluding bars of the Fugue in C major from The Well Tempered Clavier, Book I, BWV 846.wav

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Bach Fugue C closing bars

Pedal point refers to a sustained tone or pitch that is held through several measures while harmonies change in other parts. This musical technique is commonly used in various genres, including classical music, jazz, and popular music. The pedal point often occurs in the bass but can be found in any voice. It serves to create a sense of tension, stability, or harmonic foundation, depending on its context and how it interacts with the surrounding harmony.

History and Usage

The use of pedal points can be traced back to the medieval period, where it was a feature in Gregorian chant and early polyphony. However, it became more prominently used during the Baroque period, with composers like Johann Sebastian Bach employing it to create dramatic tension and resolution in their compositions. In the Classical and Romantic periods, composers continued to explore the pedal point's potential, using it to anchor tumultuous harmonic progressions or to highlight moments of emotional intensity.

In jazz, pedal points are used to create a static harmonic space over which improvisation can occur, often leading to innovative and complex harmonic explorations. In popular music, pedal points can provide a sense of continuity or build up tension before a release in the chorus or verse.

Types of Pedal Points

There are primarily two types of pedal points, classified based on their position in the texture:

• Inferior Pedal Point: This is the most common type, where the pedal tone occurs in the bass. It provides a firm foundation over which the upper voices can change freely.
• Superior Pedal Point: Less common, this occurs when the pedal tone is in an upper voice, creating a ceiling that the other voices move under.

Compositional Techniques

Composers and musicians use pedal points for various effects, including:

• Tension and Release: The contrast between the static pedal tone and the changing harmonies can create tension, which is then resolved when the harmony aligns with the pedal point.
• Harmonic Foundation: A pedal point can serve as a harmonic anchor, grounding complex harmonic progressions and providing a reference point for the listener.
• Dramatic Effect: In both classical and popular music, a pedal point can heighten drama or anticipation, especially when used before a key change or climax.

Examples in Music

• In Johann Sebastian Bach's organ works, pedal points are used extensively to create complex harmonic textures.
• Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony features pedal points that contribute to the work's dramatic tension.
• In jazz, the use of pedal points can be heard in the works of musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis, where they provide a static harmonic layer for improvisation.

Conclusion

The pedal point is a versatile musical technique that enriches a composition's harmonic texture. Its ability to add tension, stability, and dramatic effect makes it a valuable tool in the arsenal of composers and musicians across genres.