Christophe Guillotel-Nothmann, Diatonic and Tonal Functions in the Polyphonic Virelai of the 14th Century

Abstract

This paper examines the tonal organisation of French polyphonic virelais of the
‘long’14th century. The theory of tonal types of Peter Lefferts (1995) is entered into
dialogue with a second analytical perspective that distinguishes between diatonic and
tonal functions. This dual perspective suggests that the asymmetrical distribution of
alpha, beta and gamma modes identified by means of the theory of tonal types results
from a desire to combine, in the ouvert cadence, the suspense associated with scale degree ^
2 (tonal function) and the instability of the Phrygian cadence (diatonic function).
The formal dynamics which arise from the ouvert-clos articulation are not revealed
in a tonal type’s conceptual framework with its static categories derived from rigid
minimal markers. More than modal or tonal classification by itself, it is the reflection
on its essence, interpretation and explanation which proves to be critical for an understanding of the work’s tonal organisation and inner structure. The consequences of
this conclusion are addressed from a methodological and epistemological point of
view.