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Changing from one key to another within a piece. The harmonic equivalent of traveling to a new place.
Modulation is essential for large-scale tonal structure. Common techniques: pivot chord (a chord common to both keys), chromatic modulation (chromatic voice leading), direct modulation (unprepared key change), sequential modulation (sequence that drifts to a new key). Plan your key scheme before composing.
Schubert's modulations are famously unpredictable — in "Death and the Maiden" he shifts to remote keys through enharmonic reinterpretation of diminished seventh chords.
Modulation is one of 228 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary, where every definition is written around how composers actually use the word.
Browse the full dictionary →