- Master melodic minor scale (ascending and descending forms)
- Understand modal mixture and borrowed chords
- Apply minor scales musically in Baroque repertoire
- Develop expressive minor key performance
Introduction
Continuing from Lesson 46, we now explore melodic minor—the third form of the minor scale—and how Baroque composers freely mixed all three minor forms within a single piece. This flexibility is what makes minor key music so expressive!
The Melodic Minor Scale
Melodic minor was developed to solve a melodic problem in harmonic minor: the awkward augmented 2nd interval between the 6th and 7th degrees.
Why Melodic Minor?
In harmonic minor (A-B-C-D-E-F-G#-A), the F to G# jump is three half steps—difficult to sing and melodically ungraceful. Melodic minor smooths this by raising BOTH the 6th and 7th degrees.
Ascending Melodic Minor
Raises both 6th (F→F#) and 7th (G→G#) degrees:
Interval pattern: W-H-W-W-W-W-H (same as major scale except for lowered 3rd!)
Descending Melodic Minor
When descending, melodic minor traditionally reverts to natural minor (no raised 6th or 7th):
Returns to natural minor descending:
Descending = Natural minor (no accidentals)
Complete Melodic Minor (Both Directions)
Ascending uses raised 6th and 7th; descending uses natural minor:
Remember: Going up = F# and G#; going down = F and G (natural)
When to Use Melodic Minor
- Ascending melodic passages: Smooths out the augmented 2nd
- Scale-wise motion: Especially in fast passages
- Away from cadences: Where the leading tone pull is less critical
Important: The "ascending/descending" rule is a guideline, not absolute! Baroque composers often mixed forms freely based on harmonic and melodic context.
Three Minor Forms Compared
| Form | Scale Degrees | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Minor | 1-2-♭3-4-5-♭6-♭7-8 | Basic form, away from tonic |
| Harmonic Minor | 1-2-♭3-4-5-♭6-7-8 | Cadences, strong resolution |
| Melodic Minor (asc) | 1-2-♭3-4-5-6-7-8 | Smooth ascending lines |
| Melodic Minor (desc) | 8-♭7-♭6-5-4-♭3-2-1 | Descending = Natural minor |
Modal Mixture (Borrowing)
Modal mixture is when composers "borrow" notes or chords from the parallel minor/major key. This creates colorful harmonic effects!
Parallel Major and Minor
- Parallel keys: Share the same tonic note (e.g., C major and C minor)
- Relative keys: Share the same key signature (e.g., C major and A minor)
Example: A piece in C major might temporarily borrow A♭, E♭, or B♭ from C minor.
Common Borrowed Chords in Baroque Music
- ♭VI chord (in C major, use A♭ major—borrowed from C minor)
- ♭III chord (in C major, E♭ major)
- iv chord (in C major, F minor instead of F major)
These borrowed chords create darker, richer harmonic color!
Practical Application: Reading Minor Key Music
Step-by-Step Approach
- Identify the key signature - Is it major or minor? Check the first and last notes.
- Look for accidentals - Raised 6th/7th degrees indicate harmonic or melodic minor
- Cadences - Almost always use harmonic minor (raised 7th for leading tone)
- Melodic lines - May use melodic minor for smooth scalar motion
Minor Scale Practice in All Keys
Key signature: one flat (Bb). Ascending raises B♭→B and C→C#:
Key signature: one sharp (F#). Ascending raises C→C# and D→D#:
Key signature: two sharps (F#, C#). Ascending raises G→G# and A→A#:
Musical Example: Mixing Minor Forms
This phrase demonstrates how all three minor forms appear in context:
Analysis:
- Ascending: Uses melodic minor (F#, G#)
- Descending start: Uses natural minor (G, F natural)
- Cadence: Uses harmonic minor (G#) for strong resolution
Expressive Performance in Minor Keys
Dynamics and Affect
- Generally softer than major key equivalents
- More restrained in character
- Emphasize dissonances - Linger slightly on augmented 2nds and raised 7ths
- Shape phrases carefully - Minor key music rewards subtle dynamic shaping
Vibrato in Minor Keys
Use vibrato more sparingly and more narrow in minor keys. Wide, constant vibrato can make melancholic music sound too bright.
Repertoire Suggestions
Explore these famous minor key pieces:
- Handel - Sonata in D minor (HWV 367a) - Beautiful and accessible
- Handel - Sonata in G minor (Op. 1 No. 2) - A masterpiece
- Telemann - Sonata in A minor - Excellent for learning minor key technique
- Corelli - Preludes in minor keys - Short, elegant studies
Practice Routine (30 minutes daily)
- Melodic minor scales in A, D, E, B minor - 10 minutes
- Ascending: raised 6th and 7th
- Descending: natural minor
- Compare all three forms (natural, harmonic, melodic) in one key - 5 minutes
- Minor key arpeggios and cadence patterns - 5 minutes
- Apply to minor key repertoire - 10 minutes