Music A-Level
Non-functional and modal harmony
What Non-functional and modal harmony means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Non-functional and modal harmony
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Reference: AQA
Modal scales, pedal points and unresolved or ambiguous chords create atmosphere, with static harmony and modal inflections avoiding traditional dominant-tonic resolutions.
Topics that use Non-functional and modal harmony
- Area of study 3: Music for media - Named composers (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Ambient and atmospheric textures
- Harmonic dissonance and tension
- Integration of technology and orchestra
- Leitmotif
- Minimalism and ostinato
- Minimalist techniques and ostinatos
- Motivic development and ostinato
- Music and psychological narrative
Using Non-functional and modal harmony in the exam
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