Polytonality’s Logic – The Dual-Key Landscapes of Milhaud and Ives
Polytonality, a musical style characterized by the use of multiple tonalities simultaneously, has long fascinated composers seeking to expand the harmonic possibilities of traditional tonality. Among those who experimented with polytonality were Darius Milhaud and Charles Ives, two 20th-century masters who employed this technique in their works to create richly textured soundscapes. This article delves into the logic of polytonality in the music of Milhaud and Ives, examining the ways in which they utilized dual-key landscapes to explore new sonic possibilities.
Milhaud: The Précis de Méthode
Darius Milhaud’s Précis de Méthode (1928) is a seminal work that showcases his approach to polytonality. This suite for chamber ensemble consists of four movements, each exploring different tonalities while maintaining a central key. The first movement, Tocata-Fugue, is set in E minor but incorporates elements from C# minor and B major. Milhaud’s use of polytonality creates a sense of tension and release, as the various keys seem to pull the music in different directions before resolving back to the central key.
In an interview with Gramophone, Milhaud discussed his approach to polytonality: “The notes are not all meant for you; they are not all meant for me either. They are meant for something else, and that is what I try to find.” (Milhaud as quoted in Gramophone, 1931)
Ives: Consonance Studies
Charles Ives’ Consonance Studies (1914-1920s) is a collection of works that push the boundaries of tonality. The studies, written in various keys, are designed to be performed by different instrumental combinations, allowing for a wide range of timbres and textures. Ives’ use of polytonality creates a sense of uncertainty, as the listener is unsure which key is dominant.
In his Concord Sonata, Ives explores the idea of “inner voices,” separate melodies that exist within a single tonal framework. This technique allows for a rich interplay between different keys and timbres, creating a complex and dynamic sound.
Dual-Key Landscapes
Both Milhaud and Ives employ dual-key landscapes in their works, where two or more keys coexist to create a sense of tension and release. This technique allows composers to explore new harmonic possibilities while maintaining a clear sense of tonality.
In the Précis de Méthode, Milhaud’s use of polytonality creates a dual-key landscape that shifts between E minor, C# minor, and B major. Similarly, in the Concord Sonata, Ives’ inner voices often move between different keys, creating a sense of harmonic uncertainty.
Closing Thoughts
Polytonality’s logic is rooted in the exploration of new sonic possibilities. Through their use of dual-key landscapes, Milhaud and Ives pushed the boundaries of tonality, creating richly textured soundscapes that continue to fascinate audiences today.
As the composer Pierre Boulez once said, “The musical language has been extended; it’s no longer what was possible before.” (Boulez as quoted in The Guardian, 1991)
References:
– Milhaud, D. (Précis de Méthode), Suite for Chamber Ensemble (1928)
– Ives, C. (Concord Sonata) (1914-1920s)
– Gramophone. (1931). Interview with Darius Milhaud.
– The Guardian. (1991). Pierre Boulez: ‘The task of music is to create a sense of presence’.