The Tristan Chord - And Why it Matters
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ย. 2019
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On Wagner's Tristan Chord, as featured in his opera, Tristan und Isolde
Mentioned Works:
Wagner - Tristan und Isolde
Mozart - Don Giovanni
Rossini - The Barber of Seville
Wagner - Lohengrin
Wagner - The Ring Cycle: Das Rheingold
Beethoven - Piano Sonata no. 18 in Eb major, Op. 31 no. 3
Debussy - Golliwog's Cakewalk, from Children's Corner
Debussy - En Sourdine, from Fetes Galantes
![Harry Potter And The TRISTAN Chord [Music Theory]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0dHri-5F4pU/mqdefault.jpg)
![ตัวอย่างภาพยนตร์ Venom: The Last Dance [Official - Sub Thai]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DHPjvAwmnRE/mqdefault.jpg)
Just to clarify something - as said below, there is technically some tonal resolution before the very end. However, the Tristan chord itself is not "resolved" until the very end. Moreover, these moments of "tonal resolution" which end Act One and Two are extremely abrupt - have a listen. They only resolve into a key for the last 30 seconds or so of an 80 minute Act. But more than that...
Wagner does everything he can to make T&I feel separate and apart from the world around them. So when the Sailors come in at the end of Act One, they're excited to be arriving at Cornwall! It has nothing at all to do with the lovers and their inner conflict. So hooray, triumphant fanfare in a major key, but it is not a resolution of the Tristan chord conflict, nor of the lovers' problem. In fact - the arrival at Cornwall is BAD news for the lovers, because it's where Isolde is being taken to marry King Mark. So the major triumphant fanfare is very jarring.
The ending of Act 2 is struck with a devastating minor turn - which again only hits in the last 30 seconds of an 80 mins act, as the two of them have nowhere else to turn except for death. That minor tonality is prolonged for a while in the bleak beginning of Act 3, as Tristan lies sick and alone.
So yes, there are moments of clear cut tonality, to be sure! Though on the whole it is a yearning and searching opera, where tonal expectations are constantly subverted (which, at the time, was revolutionary). But the Tristan Chord itself is not "resolved" until the final minutes of the whole opera. And generally, when the drama focuses on the lovers, there is a characteristic tonal 'restlessness'. Have a listen yourself!
I remember learning about this chord in Theory class and the two common 'resolutions' were either interpreting the chord as a French 6th chord and simply 'resolving' on V after it, or we thought of it more non-functionally (Schenker) and it resolving at the 'a tempo' later.
That being said, I prefer any analysis that further brings into the story of the Opera, as I feel that aspect of musical interpretation is often lost on those that get too deep into the theory of the notes themselves. I think this is the most studied chord simply because of how many ways there are to interpret it. One of my friends tried to analyze it from an atonal perspective and it was rather interesting.
This chord was invented by Liszt years before Wagner came upon it.
CD122344 They as now that Liszt pasted it in after hearing Wagner. FWIT
@@CD122344 Did you even watch the video, where he explains how even Beethoven used it? Nobody 'invented' it. It's all about the context in which it's used. In this case, it's a vehicle to keep tonality at bay. It's expressing the disharmony of the situation that the characters find themselves in.
I love the facial expressions you make when you play the chords.
That's how musicians do.😎
This is a phenomena I have noticed often, especially in guitar solos. Why does this happen ? I suggest listening to Rudolf Steiner's lectures on music. I have playlists on my channel that contain these answers.
This is probably the best presentation of this chord that I have ever seen. Great work!
Agree. Your short illustrations on piano of each element while going along are great. Superb teaching and illustration. I was always curious to know what this 'Tristan chord' was about... seems like it was basis of much of Liszt's 2nd half of work, the unresolved and uncertain, opposed to the safe, and resolved.
I never felt lost listening to Tristan and Isolde
The "atonality" of Tristan was beautiful
Of all the music channels I've looked into, I like yours the best. You have heart as well as extensive knowledge. You're not impressing me with your cleverness so much as sharing a real passion. I am subscribed and hope to see much more from you. Cheers!
Snuggles McSquishbottom, welcome to the club. 😊
This explanation just adds such a new dimension to the music. I now realize that I've probably never enjoyed any piece of classical music to the fullest. Thank you for this amazing revelation!
When I get my first tattoo, it’s going to the the Tristan Chord!
I’d probably choose Hojotoho, but the octave leaps would take up too much of my arm!
Make sure they write it correctly. You didn’t even write your comment without a small mistake! (You wrote ”the” instead of “be”. 😂)
Ffs, please don’t.
An analysis of Wagner's "Parsifal" would be interesting if you have the time in your busy schedule.
Please! Parsifal is incredible! I’m a new subscriber and quite delighted.
Yes Parsifal please
I love this conversation. Studied this chord in advanced analysis in undergrad. Your enthusiasm reminds me of one of my favorite professors. I love seeing your face through this. We need visual human proof that this music is worth listening.
This guy is an awesome music instructor. I hope that he goes far!
This chord makes me feel that time is melting. This chord also changed my life. Thank you for the nice video.
SHUT UP YOU PATHETIC FUCKING PONCE.
Does it really though...
The film melancholia got me hooked on this haunting beautiful piece...thankyou for posting
me too
Just from the few lines he plays, I first heard the strings in my head, then chased the thought to Melancholia.
Great music in a great movie
As Bernstein said, "this is the hub of the wheel, the central work of all music history".
Western music changed forever after this Drama. Bruckner, Mahler, Schönberg, Berg, Strauss, etc, adored this masterpiece.
We're playing Rachmaninoff The Bells this week. There is a gorgeous Tristan reference in the second movement, appropriately "Wedding Bells "
Lovely, intelligent, and heartfelt analysis.
I was lucky enough to see Berlin Philharmonic perform Tristan & Isolde back in 2016, conducted by Simon Rattle. Stuart Skelton (Tristan) was in tears at the end, Eva-Maria Westbroek (Isolde) comforting him. It was an astonishing evening, Conductor, Singers & Orchestra pushing themselves to the limit. The 2nd act in particular, will never forget it. Love this video, captures how the Tristan chord creates such emotion & feeling :-)
Played piano since i was 3, made some music, lived music, but never got into the theory, so happy I found your channel ! I have sooo much to learn. Thank you
Your videos are so interesting and always on point! Really enjoy watching them
Thank you for the intensive study into Debussy's use of the chord as well. Incredible.
Your videos are the absolute best !! This new format is absolutely brilliant as well.
I always recall Excalibur 1981 when I hear Wagner...especially Lancelot and Guinevere.
These videos are such gifts... I hope uni is going well for you!
I enjoy watching you explaining the chord's impact almost as much as I enjoy listening to the music itself. Very heartfelt.
As an amateurs composer, you're the only help I get.
Getting a capable composition mentor will help immensely!
Watch "jjay berthume" on youtube, you can see him compose full orchestral pieces from beginning to end with him explaining his thought process. "Rick beato" is also very good for theory but it can get super advanced so if you need something slower, well constructed and accessible to all while still giving you a wide breadth of music theory then go see "musictheoryguy". Another good one is "signals music studio", it has a little emphasis on the guitar but it doesn't get in the way at all. "Richard Atkinson" and "orchestration online" are also good for score analysis. If you work hard and are determined that should be enough to get you pretty far, good luck :)
@@ITBahren thank you so much
007Raizor thank you a loot!
I love the Tristan's chord, I love this video! 😍
I think this chord responds great more and more to our times as in terms of ambiguity but not only. Gives me chills.
Excellent exploration of this, from one musicologist to another.
This channel is absolutely amazing. Great work!
Wow! That was fun! I wish it was longer! I can tell you love exploring and sharing your findings--and it's contagious!
Thank you--this is fascinating and I look forward to watching more of your videos. Your singing is also distinctly beautiful. Cheers!
I love eveything you said and presented. Tristan AND Impressionists captured my heart in about 9th grade and I never went back.
Fascinating stuff man. Thanks for sharing this knowledge
Love Wagner have all his mature opera‘sCDs I’ve always wondered why the Tristan
Cord was so intriguing and you did a beautiful job explain thank you so much
The best classical music channel I had discovered so far. Dude you will be famous!
By the way, I loved this overture and I didn’t know why until I watched this video. Some of the words perfectly described my feeling.
Thank you 🙂 Love how casual & friendly this all is yet really informative & enjoyable... Gonna go play this chord right now... 😎
Thank you for this. I am so touched about it.
Thank you. Insightful and wonderfully relayed
Thank you for a great analysis. A fascinating subject. I didn’t start studying music until later in life and first heard about this 2 years ago. So glad to hear your thoughts on it here
Fascinating! Thank you for sharing!
beautifully clear exposition.
very interesting comment, just saw Tristan & Isolde yesterday (Paris, Bastille) and those chords keep haunting me! I didn't know this half diminished was called Tristan chord.. Good to know other people are haunted ;-) so thank you so much
Wonderful and insightful video! Thank you for introducing me to this concept, and the musical worlds it shaped after Wagner
Transmiting enthousiasm and love for the great music! Thx!
Omg I have a harmony test in two weeks and we are studying Wagner, this is so useful, Thank you!
Good luck.
You’re presentation is informative and enjoyable. You’re an excellent instructor. Do keep it up.
Wonderfully done! Bravo.
I like this video format by the way. I see some miss the usual format with score etc. However, if this format makes it possible to upload rather than spend hours in the edit then go for it. It was great (and impressive) to listen to your live demonstration and appreciate your knowledge and passion on it. A complicated edit is a ‘nice to have’ not a requirement for me. Enjoyed ‘meeting’ you and seeing your enthusiasm! Your love of talking about this subject comes across so well on screen. Fantastic
7:17 Didn't expect that resolution at all since I've listened to this piece many times, and it caught me so off guard that I let out a laugh and almost choked on my coffee!
I just love the way you presented this video. Wagner is such a mystery to young people but you really helped me to understand why I am mesmerised by this opera.
Brilliant as usual!
Your videos are so great! Thanks for posting. Greetings from LA CA USA.
I sang Debussy's "En Sourdine" in college and never realized it's connection to Wagner's "Tristan" chord. Same thing with "Galliwog's Cakewalk" Thanks for this. It was illuminating.
Thanks for this video about the greatest composer! Cheers
dude i love this sm
Thanks, I needed this. My music theory teacher referred to this chord and I had no idea what she was talking about.
You are a wonderful teacher, thank you so much.
So interesting. I could listen to this guy for hours. A born musician and educator.
So happy I found this channel.
Subscribed. Your passion and knowledge reminds me of my favourite teachers
Excellent presentation. Your discussion, personality, camera position, Just really well done. Subscribed.
And now might be a good time to progress up to Alexander Scriabin’s “Chord of Pleroma” (or Mystic Chord) which he felt enshrined the totality of all Divine Power. This chord is the basis of his work “Prometheus” for piano, orchestra and LIGHT KEYBOARD (a keyboard that would by pressing a given key, produce a colored light or combination of colors that would represent their direct association to a feeling or spiritual concept and symbol). Scriabin’s output from this point onward was based and greatly expanded, on the tone relationships from the notes in this chord. Completely new scales and chords (based on 4ths) were the cornerstone of this period, all culminating to the great “MYSTERIUM”, the was never realized because of his sudden death.
The scope of this mankind shifting, 7 day, multi sensory, spiritual rite, at the foot hills of the Himalayan mountains, would have been the grandest expression in art of all time.
Fascinating. You are a gifted teacher.
3.00 Excellent insight. Setting the chord in the context of usual practice ... brings out the MYSTERY Of the chord ... which is why it had such an enormous impact on musicians and the wider public ... For it was beyond all expectations ...
Bravo! Excellent job.
Brilliant😁 thanks for the crash course
I enjoyed your explanation so much, thanks!
Your videos on music are some of the best at TH-cam. You're an addiction. The Tristan score is, in my opinion, the most orgasmic music ever written. And the early audiences were duly shocked.
Outstanding presentation.thankyou.
Lol I was actually just learning about this chord in my music history class!!! Perfect timing!!!
Fantastic video and analysis. Thank you!
Golliwogg's cakewalk is not only quoting the tristan chord in the middle section. The A-section is a ragtime based on the tristan chord, too. The notes ab, f, eb and cb (a enharmonic version of the tristan chord) are all over the place and quite prominent in the opening theme. It really needs some genious to mix up Joplin and Wagner and only Debussy could do that!
marvelous! thanks!
Great analysis. Thank you.
Thank you! I enjoyed your explanation.
I know next to nothing about theory, I write songs out of chords (and sometimes make up my own chords). This was thirteen minutes of heaven for me. I need to find ways of working in these sort of ideas. Wonderful! Thank you!
Thank you for this. I just watched this opera in Seattle yesterday as it's one of those "You Must See This Before You Die" type shows and honestly, I was struggling to understand it's significance. This was extremely informative!
Great class! Thank you. Greetings from Brasil.
Amazing video! thank you
Fantastic exploration. Thanks 🙏
Very insightful explanation! Thanks.
Lovely ! Thanks a lot
Love this
Thanks for your great Analysis!
I love you. This video was fascinating
Thank you!
super!thanks for this great analysis.
Beautiful. Thank you :)
I first heard this 50 years ago at the Dallas Public Library, on vinyl with headphones. The record contained a Chopin etude, a Schoenberg String Quartet and the Prelude to Tristan und Isolde. I did not know it was from an opera, or even what an opera was at that point. But I must have loved it because I listened over and over. Twenty years later, married with children, I was parked at a Burger King. The kids were playing in the park and I was sitting in my car listening to public radio. I heard Jesse Norman belting out the Liebestod accompanied by the full orchestra. I had never heard it before. Tears streamed down my cheeks then as now and whenever I listen again. Check out "Wagner-Isolde's Liebestod-Waltraud Meier..."
I just realized that Debussy's Cakewalk contains Wagner's T&I Prelude and wow... such different attitudes.
Thank you for explaining about Tristan chord! I really enjoy your video!
A splendid presentation.
Tristan und Isolde is the best opera of all times.
Seen the 'Book of Mormon'?
Stimmt
*laughs in wozzeck*
@@Breakbeat90s LANGSAM!
@@threethrushes what?
Great video! 👍
So interesting and well explained
I cannot read music or understand the mathematics behind it but I HEARD exactly what you were talking about in this presentation which is gold to an illiterate music lover like myself . I think I first really consciously noticed this irresolution thing going on in Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time . Thank you for making my enjoyment of music more informed without diminishing it into academia . Thanks for what you do .
I know very little about music theory and criticism, but I think that this video is about to send me down a rabbit hole. And I'm very much looking forward to it!
Excellent and so good to "hear" your analyzation --from a young and intelligent musician -
Very very interesting, thanks for sharing this video.
Some also hear it as an augmented 6th chord, not one of the regular 3: F, B, D#, G# with a slightly different resolution - the D# moving to D natural instead of up to E and the B and G# resolving as part of a voice exchange between the aug 6 and dominant 7th
the singing moment..is a divine surprise
Bernard Herrmann was clearly influenced by this chord in his Vertigo score.