modulation

A change of tonic, mode, or genus is termed modulation in Greek music theory.

See also metabole.

[from John Chalmers, Divisions of the Tetrachord]

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In 'common-practice' harmony, modulation refers to a change of key.

A modulation is distinguished from a tonicization in that the latter gives a more temporary feeling, while a modulation provides a clearly established arrival into the new key, usually for a somewhat extended period of time.

Modulation is ordinarily used in 'classical' music to delineate various different sections of a particular form, especially sonata form.

[from Joe Monzo, JustMusic: A New Harmony]

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