Defining Moments of the Spirit and Soul in Music
Defining Moments of the Spirit and Soul in Music

Summary/Abstract: This article represents an attempt to describe the use of a sequence of three-chord, comprising the sub-mediant, followed by the dominant and thirdly, the tonic by composers from 1610 (Monteverdi) to 1948 (Richard Strauss). During that time, this three-chord sequence has been used sparingly - by just nine composers - but is used in two of the most well-known and loved orchestral works. The author poses the questions: why has it been used so infrequently? What is the contextual meaning of this chord sequence by each composer? Is there anything significantly similar between the meaning of the chord sequence across all the works of these nine composers? Surprisingly, there was no use of this chord sequence between Monteverdi and Beethoven. After investigation, the author shows that the reverse of the sequence, tonic, dominant, sub-mediant chords, was a standard sequence in works from the Baroque through to the present day, often as an ostinato pattern. From Pachelbel's Canon in D to songs by the Beatles, Bob Marley, and many other famous, contemporary singer-song writers. On the other hand, the author shows that the use of the three-chords, is either as cadence or at the beginning of a phrase; it can also be used as a means of modulating, from a minor to a Major key. From Monteverdi on through the list, the contextual meaning of the sequence, sometimes with a text, and sometimes without, has a religio-philosophical spiritual meaning and use. Most of the composers set the sequence to a Christian text (Magnificat, Easter hymns, Resurrection) while others use folk texts or celebrated poetry, to describe philosophically the journey of the soul from birth to death and beyond.

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