{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.016544117647058824, 'fraction_numerical': 0.007352941176470588, 'mean_word_length': 5.5582329317269075, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Paradigms and contrast in sixteenth‐century modal structure: Commixture in the tientos of Antonio de Cabezón

Abstract This article examines the types and techniques of modal commixture found in the tientos of Antonio de Cabezón (1510–1566). Although the value of historical theoretical formulations on tonality has been questioned, this study reminds us that traditional modal theory can be an effective tool towards the understanding of Renaissance compositional practice and the interpretation of numerous tonal and thematic compositional subtleties. The main theoretical point of departure for my analyses of Cabezón's tientos is the Arfe de tañer fantasía (1565) by Tomás de Santa María, a treatise on the composition and improvisation of instrumental genres, which Cabezón seems to have examined and approved. The study of commixture in the tientos focuses especially on modal change and modal ambiguity, and includes detailed analyses of several compositions by both Cabezón and Santa Maria. The analyses illustrate that Cabezón appears to have preferred commixture between “closely related modes,” or modes that share common structural elements. In the hands of such a skillful composer as Cabezón, commixture becomes a means of tonal variety and contrast, which, however, does not affect the underlying unity illustrated by the modal compositional paradigms. By showing that the principles and concepts provided by Renaissance polyphonic theory illuminate compositional practice both at the surface and the structural levels, I argue that this theory is not as removed from musical practice as has sometimes been suggested.