Key Concepts
This chapter introduces four key concepts culminating Messiaen's harmonic practice:
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Polymodality: Definition and Principle - The simultaneous superposition of two or more different modes of limited transpositions, with each textural layer operating within its assigned mode
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Two Superposed Modes - The fundamental polymodal texture, consisting of two different modes operating simultaneously in different textural layers
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Three Modes Superposed - An expansion of polymodal technique to three simultaneous modal layers, creating highly complex vertical sonorities
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Polymodal Modulation - The technique of transitioning from one polymodal combination to another, representing the highest level of modal-harmonic organization