Composing in Aeolian Mode: Embracing Melancholy and Reflection
Just as Ionian mode is our primary gateway to major tonality, Aeolian mode is the foundation of natural minor. While you are undoubtedly familiar with its sound as the "natural minor scale," composing intentionally in Aeolian allows you to tap into a specific quality of melancholy, introspection, and somber reflection, distinct from the dramatic tension of harmonic minor or the bittersweetness of Dorian.
This post will guide you through practical strategies for composing with Aeolian mode, helping you embrace its inherent pathos and create music that is genuinely expressive of sadness, longing, or thoughtful resignation.
The Aeolian Identity: Natural Minor's Quiet Strength
Aeolian mode (W-H-W-W-H-W-W) is characterized by its minor third, minor sixth (b6), and minor seventh (b7). Unlike harmonic minor, it lacks a raised leading tone, meaning there's no strong half-step pull to the tonic from below. This absence of the leading tone contributes to its characteristic feeling of resignation or gentle sadness rather than a dramatic, driving tension. It simply is – a quiet contemplation of sorrow or a gentle reflection.
When composing in Aeolian, your primary goal is to leverage this natural, unforced minor quality to communicate introspection, lament, or a pervasive sense of melancholy.
Melodic Strategies in Aeolian
Aeolian melodies often feel lyrical, sometimes descending, and embody a natural, flowing sadness.
Emphasize the b3, b6, and b7: These are the defining scale degrees of Aeolian.
The b6 (minor sixth) is particularly important for distinguishing Aeolian from Dorian. Melodies that descend to or linger on the b6 (e.g., F in A Aeolian) will clearly establish the Aeolian sound.
The b7 (minor seventh) reinforces the minor quality and avoids the leading tone's strong pull, contributing to the resigned feel.
Example: In A Aeolian, a phrase might highlight F and G (b6 and b7) as it descends to A.
Stepwise Motion and Descending Lines: Aeolian melodies often favor stepwise motion, creating smooth, vocal-like lines. Descending contours are particularly effective for conveying sadness or a sense of winding down.
Avoid the Raised 7th: Unless you are intentionally shifting to harmonic minor for a specific dramatic effect (e.g., at a strong cadence), keep your melodies on the natural 7th degree (G in A Aeolian). This maintains the characteristic Aeolian sound.
Use for Vocal Writing: Aeolian mode is particularly well-suited for setting text with a melancholic or reflective tone, as its natural melodic flow and lack of strong leading tone tension feel very organic.
Harmonic Strategies in Aeolian
Aeolian harmony is characterized by the natural minor triads and the absence of a naturally occurring major dominant chord with a leading tone.
Prioritize the i, iv, and v Chords: These are your core harmonies. The i (tonic minor), iv (subdominant minor), and v (minor dominant) are all diatonic to Aeolian and form stable relationships.
Example: In A Aeolian, Am - Dm - Em - Am (i - iv - v - i) is a very characteristic progression.
Why it works: The Dm (iv) and Em (v) chords both contain the b6 (F) and b7 (G) respectively, clearly defining the Aeolian sound.
Utilize the bIII (Major III) and bVI (Major VI) Chords: These are also common and contribute to the Aeolian sound.
bIII (C major in A Aeolian): Often used as a mediant harmony.
bVI (F major in A Aeolian): Can provide a gentle shift in color, often followed by bVII or V (minor) leading back to i.
Example: Am - Fmaj - Gmaj - Am (i - bVI - bVII - i). This progression is very common in folk and pop music.
The bVII (Major VII) Chord: This chord (G major in A Aeolian) is very common. It often acts as a weaker dominant substitute or as a subtonic, leading smoothly back to i.
Contrast: This contrasts with the V (major) of harmonic minor. The Gmaj - Am progression sounds less forceful and more resigned than E7 - Am.
Avoid the Harmonic Minor Raised 7th (G# in A minor): Unless you are making a deliberate choice to borrow from harmonic minor for a stronger dominant function, stick to the natural 7th. This means your V chord will typically be a minor v (Em in A Aeolian), not a major V (E major).
Modal Cadences:
i - iv - i
i - v - i
i - bVII - i These are characteristic Aeolian cadences. Authentic cadences can still occur (V-i), but often the V will be minor, or the resolution less forceful due to the natural 7th.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Sounding Like Harmonic/Melodic Minor: The key is to consciously avoid the raised 7th (leading tone) unless you deliberately want its specific dramatic effect. If you find yourself consistently adding a raised 7th, you're likely drifting into harmonic minor.
Lack of Resolution: Because the leading tone is absent, some find Aeolian less conclusive. Use repetition of the tonic, clear melodic phrasing, and rhythmic emphasis on the tonic to ground the mode.
Overly Somber: While it's a minor mode, ensure there's enough melodic and harmonic movement to maintain interest. Vary textures and dynamics.
Mini-Exercise: "Autumn's Farewell" (Aeolian String Trio Sketch)
Objective: Compose a short (approx. 1.5 - 2.5 minute) piece for string trio (Violin, Viola, Cello) in E Aeolian.
Mood: Melancholy, reflective, a sense of quiet sadness or nostalgia. Imagine the slow, gentle falling of leaves in autumn.
Key/Mode: E Aeolian (E-F#-G-A-B-C-D).
Characteristic Note: C (flat 6th) and D (flat 7th).
Instructions:
Melody: Create a lyrical, flowing melody for the violin, emphasizing the C natural (b6) and D natural (b7), perhaps through descending stepwise motion or gentle suspensions.
Harmony/Voice Leading: The viola and cello provide harmonic support. Focus on Em (i), Am (iv), Bm (v), and Cmaj (bVI), Dmaj (bVII) chords. Ensure smooth voice leading between all three instruments, avoiding parallel octaves/fifths.
Texture: Start with a sparse texture, perhaps just violin and cello, then gradually add the viola. Explore sustained chords and gentle arpeggios.
Dynamics: Keep dynamics generally soft (p to mp), with subtle swells and gradual decrescendos.
Form: A simple through-composed form, allowing the mood to unfold naturally.
Play your piece back. Does the absence of a sharp 7th create a specific kind of contemplative sadness? Does it truly evoke the quiet resignation of autumn?
Conclusion
Aeolian mode is more than just "natural minor"; it is a distinct expressive voice capable of conveying deep melancholy, quiet reflection, and profound sadness without resorting to the sharp edges of harmonic minor. By consciously highlighting its characteristic flat 6th and flat 7th, both melodically and harmonically (emphasizing iv, v, bVI, and bVII chords), you can effectively compose pieces that resonate with a raw, authentic sense of lament or thoughtful introspection. Embrace its inherent subtlety and discover the quiet power within this foundational mode.
