Choral Composition: Creative Modulation — From Bach to Ēriks Ešenvalds
Choral Composition: Creative Modulation — From Bach to Ēriks Ešenvalds
A Practical Textbook in Harmonic Movement, Tonal Architecture and Expressive SATB Writing
Modulation is where a choral piece breathes, turns and opens up. This practical textbook shows you how composers move between keys, and how to make those moves serve the text.
Learn by seeing it in the score
The teaching is carried by 69 engraved SATB examples: 67 original compositions and two Bach chorale excerpts. Every example is fully analysed, with Roman numerals in both keys at each pivot, key labels, cadences, common tones and chromatic notes marked on the music. Every texted example sets words from the Psalms.
Ten chapters
- Modulation as a Compositional Language
- Bach and Functional Modulation
- Pivot-Chord Modulation
- Chromatic Modulation and Expressive Harmony
- Direct Modulation and Dramatic Tonal Shifts
- Sequential Modulation and Contrapuntal Motion
- Modal Colour and Contemporary Choral Tonality
- From Bach to Ēriks Ešenvalds
- Modulation, Text Painting and Emotional Narrative
- Advanced Creative Modulation and Personal Style
It ends with a final portfolio project with a 100-mark rubric, and appendices: a glossary, modulation reference sheets, an index of examples, a bibliography and a listening guide.
In every chapter
At the Score · Inside the Harmony · Composer’s Decision · The Psalm Connection · Try This · Listen For · Common Pitfall · Creative Alternative · Student Exercise
Who it’s for
Advanced secondary students, undergraduate composers, church musicians, choral directors and composers developing their own voice. It assumes you know diatonic harmony, Roman-numeral analysis and basic four-part writing. Everything beyond that is explained as you go.
What you get
One 114-page PDF (A4), delivered instantly.
Want the Student Workbook, an annotated score card for every example and audio to listen along? Choose the Complete Course Bundle.