Welcome to “Modes Reloaded" fellow harp adventurers and enthusiasts, where we explore the diverse and emotive soundscapes of the Modern Western Modes. I am delighted to share this collection of 7 original pieces and 2 arrangements with you. This book is aimed at harpists who wish to develop awareness, enjoyment and a foundation understanding of the unique soundscapes the 7 Modern Western Modes have to offer. The 7 original mode pieces in this book can be performed as a ‘Modal Suite’: if you choose to do this, finish the set by returning to the Ionian piece at the end for a feeling of closure.
The topic of modes is vast and varied; delving into the modes’ historical and current day use around the globe is an exciting and unlimited journey of discovery. This book may be your stand-alone adventure or the start of a much larger voyage of discovery!
The Origin of the Materials Presented in This Book
The music in this book was originally written as part of my six week online harp course, “Modes Reloaded” where I set out to help harpists ‘get inside’ modes, their history, theory, moods, overview of general use and most importantly play them. During the course, we learn the 7 original pieces I am sharing here to explore each of the Modern Western Modes’ unique soundscapes. We also work with a guided improvisation in each mode to help us feel able to freely move around in the scales, using their distinct features for maximum effect.
In this book I am sharing the written out pieces and an introduction to the foundation music theory with you, rather than the entire online course content. I couldn’t resist sharing “The Modes Wheel” tool I created to enable the user to work out any mode in any key, as it has proven to be very popular online. I am delighted to be able to share it here in this book for wider use.
What Is a Musical Mode and How Do We Find Them?
The Modes Wheel The Modes Wheel has been developed to be a useful tool to enable students with a foundation working knowledge of modes to find and check the mode scales. On the homepage of my website www.FairplayHarpSchool.com you can navigate via the ‘Home’ tab to a free access video called “How to Use the Fairplay Harp School Modes Wheel”, you are most welcome to watch it if you would like to be guided on how to use it to its full potential.
The 7 Modes For each mode you will find a little explanation text and basic theory, followed by a lead sheet and then a written out piece. If you are new to the modes, I recommend playing the scale written out in the explanation text first so you can settle your ear into the soundscape and listen out for any ‘character’ notes.
If you choose to play from the lead sheet, consider using just single notes, octaves or fifths in the left hand to accompany so your ear is able to really hear the soundscape of the mode without too much harmonic distraction.
Each tune has a title that starts with the same letter as the mode it has been written in. When playing the pieces, you might like to keep in mind that I created the openings to give space for our ears to settle into the unique soundscape each mode offers. I would like to invite you to take your time to hear the character and embrace the particular mood and feelings of the unique mode you are working with at any given time. Whilst there are tempo and dynamic markings in the music, please feel free to make your own decisions as to how they should be played; if I ever hear you perform one of these pieces I will be thrilled to hear your own unique musical interpretation.
Contents
Preface
Finding the 7 Modern Western Modes
What Is a Musical Mode?
The 7 Modes Exercise
The Order of the Modes
Ionian Mode
Introducing the Ionian Mode
I Love Red Balloons Lead Sheet in Ionian Mode
I Love Red Balloons Solo in Ionian Mode
Dorian Mode
Introducing the Dorian Mode
Down by the Walnut Tree Lead Sheet in Dorian Mode
Down by the Walnut Tree Solo in Dorian Mode
Phrygian Mode
Introducing the Phrygian Mode
Perhaps I Will Lead Sheet in Phrygian Mode
Perhaps I Will Solo in Phrygian Mode
Lydian Mode
Introducing the Lydian Mode
Lakeside Blossom Lead Sheet in Lydian Mode
Lakeside Blossom Solo in Lydian Mode
Mixolydian Mode
Introducing the Mixolydian Mode
Mermaid’s Tail in the Woods Lead Sheet in Mixolydian Mode
Mermaid’s Tail in the Woods Solo in Mixolydian Mode
Aeolian Mode
Introducing the Aeolian Mode
Autumn in the Moonlight Lead Sheet in Aeolian Mode
Autumn in the Moonlight Solo in Aeolian Mode
Locrian Mode
Introducing the Locrian Mode
Limbo Land Lead Sheet in Locrian Mode
Limbo Land Solo in Locrian Mode
BONUS 1 – Dorian Mode Superstar Scarborough Fair
Scarborough Fair Pedal/Celtic Solo Harp Arrangement
Scarborough Fair Lap Harp Solo Arrangement
BONUS 2 – Mixolydian Mode Superstar She Moved Through the Fair
She Moved Through the Fair Pedal/Celtic Solo Harp Arrangement (Chords and melody line suitable for Lap Harp)
She Moved Through the Fair Pedal/Celtic Harp Ensemble Arrangement
She Moved Through the Fair Lead Sheet Harp Ensemble Arrangement
The Modes Reloaded Online Harp Course
The Modes Wheel (cut out and assemble)