Aeolian

TQ-Explore Activity

Focus Three Explore World Sounds

The Aeolian mode is named after the Aeolian people from Aeolis just above Ionia.

Map illustrating the ancient region of Aeolis, highlighting its relevance from the 8th to the 6th century, with modern flags of Italy, Greece, and Turkey symbolizing the area's historical connections.

The Aeolian mode is another ancient Greek mode that was also adopted by the church during the Middle Ages. You might find its sound very familiar because the Aeolian mode is another name for the natural minor scale.

You will hear the Aeolian mode everywhere, especially in classical music, pop songs, rock anthems, and folk tunes. It often creates moods that are thoughtful, sad, serious, or sometimes quite dramatic.

TQ Build Activity

Focus Nine Ancient Sounds

To play the A Aeolian mode, simply start on the note A and play all the white notes on a piano until you reach the next A.

The A Aeolian mode uses the notes: A - B - C - D - E - F - G - A

The Aeolian mode sounds like a minor scale because it has a minor third (A to C). While it does not have just one "special" note like the other modes we have studied, its entire structure is what defines the natural minor sound.

First, let us compare it to the A Minor scale (A-B-C#-D-E-F#-G#-A).

Then, play A Aeolian (A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A). Can you hear how the C, F, and G notes are lower in Aeolian compared to A Major? This gives it its distinct minor sound.

A Major/ A Ionian & Aeolian

You can hear the Aeolian mode in countless songs that are in a minor key, like Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (in A minor), or many classical pieces, which often use the natural minor scale. Examples can be heard in Peer Gynt: In the Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg and Vivaldi's Winter from The Four Seasons.

If Ionian is 'happy and straightforward,'

Mixolydian is 'heroic and adventurous,'

Dorian is 'cool and thoughtful,' and

Lydian is 'dreamy and magical,' the

Aeolian mode is 'sad, serious, or thoughtful.'

TQ-Create Activity

Focus seven, create a piece using level scales, modes and chords

Using only the white notes, try to write a very short melody (4-8 notes) that starts and ends on A, and try to make it sound 'sad' or 'thoughtful.'

Remember you are simply using the A natural minor scale!

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TQ Grow Activity

Focus two, complete a simple research project

Mixolydian Mode Questions

1. What are some moods the Mixolydian mode can create?

2. In G Mixolydian, which note is different compared to a regular G Major scale?

3. Name one type of music where the Mixolydian mode is used.

4. How might a piece of music in G Mixolydian sound (e.g., bright, sad, mysterious)?

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