Topmusicanswers
Modes are divided into two categories: authentic modes and plagal modes. Each plagal mode is associated with an authentic mode. Both have the same notes and the same Final. The difference between an authentic mode and its related plagal lies in the nature of the dominant note and in the range or ambitus.
- What is the difference between authentic and plagal modes?
- What is the meaning of authentic modes?
- What is a plagal mode music?
- Why is it called plagal?
What is the difference between authentic and plagal modes?
The general difference is threefold. Range. Authentic has a higher range usually from the subtonic to the octave. Plagal has a smaller range, or at least the melody does not deviate too far from the tonic: it is often between four steps below to the fifth above.
What is the meaning of authentic modes?
: a church mode (such as Phrygian or Mixolydian) whose ambitus comprises approximately the octave above the final (see final entry 2 sense c) An authentic mode is based on its Final or lowest note …— Rupert Hughes, The Musical Guide, 1903 — compare plagal mode — see church mode illustration.
What is a plagal mode music?
: a church mode (such as Hypophrygian or Hypomixolydian) with the same final (see final entry 2 sense c) as its parallel authentic mode but with an ambitus a fourth lower A plagal mode is found a fourth below its authentic, and the final of the authentic serves also for the plagal.—
Why is it called plagal?
A plagal mode (from Greek πλάγιος 'oblique, sideways, athwart') has a range that includes the octave from the fourth below the final to the fifth above. ... In Byzantine modal theory (octoechos), the word "plagal" ("plagios") refers to the four lower-lying echoi, or modes.
