Lydian chromatic concept of tonal organization
Encyclopedia
The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization was written by George Russell
and is the founding text of the Lydian Chromatic Concept (LCC), or Lydian Chromatic Theory (LCT). The work postulates that all music is based on the tonal gravity of the Lydian mode
.
starting with C, the desired tonic. This process would yield C, G, D, A, E, B, F. If these tones are voiced in the space of an octave, they form the Lydian mode (C, D, E, F, G, A, B). Additionally, Russell observed, when these tones are voiced in thirds they form the preferred form of a 13th chord.
said that it "opens the door to countless means of melodic expression" and critic Joachim-Ernst Berendt
described it as "the first work deriving a theory of jazz harmony from the immanent laws of jazz" and as "the pathbreaker for Miles Davis' and John Coltrane's 'modality'". Bill Evans
and Miles Davis
utilized the theory and used it to record modal jazz, such as the album Kind of Blue
. John Coltrane's modal jazz is usually analyzed using Russell's method. Additionally, many conservatories teach Russell's theory to varying degrees.
George Russell
George Allen Russell was an American jazz pianist, composer and theorist. He is considered one of the first jazz musicians to contribute to general music theory with a theory of harmony based on Jazz rather than European music, in his book, The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization...
and is the founding text of the Lydian Chromatic Concept (LCC), or Lydian Chromatic Theory (LCT). The work postulates that all music is based on the tonal gravity of the Lydian mode
Lydian mode
The Lydian musical scale is a rising pattern of pitches comprising three whole tones, a semitone, two more whole tones, and a final semitone. This sequence of pitches roughly describes the fifth of the eight Gregorian modes, known as Mode V or the authentic mode on F, theoretically using B but in...
.
Deriving Lydian
Russell believed that dominant function was the driving force behind all harmonic motion. Russell focuses on the Lydian mode because it can be built with fifths. For instance, to construct a C lydian scale one could list the first seven tones on the circle of fifthsCircle of fifths
In music theory, the circle of fifths shows the relationships among the 12 tones of the chromatic scale, their corresponding key signatures, and the associated major and minor keys...
starting with C, the desired tonic. This process would yield C, G, D, A, E, B, F. If these tones are voiced in the space of an octave, they form the Lydian mode (C, D, E, F, G, A, B). Additionally, Russell observed, when these tones are voiced in thirds they form the preferred form of a 13th chord.
Tonal gravity
Russell posits that tonal gravity emanated from the first seven tones of the lydian mode. As the player ventures further from the Lydian tonic however (and further up the circle of fifths), the tonal gravity shifts. For example, if notes further up the circle of fifths (e.g. 3) are used, the tonal gravity is probably shifting.Impact
Russell's theory has had far reaching impact, especially in the realm of modal jazz. Art FarmerArt Farmer
Arthur Stewart "Art" Farmer was an American jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player. He also played flumpet, a trumpet/flugelhorn combination designed for him by David Monette. His identical twin brother, Addison Farmer Arthur Stewart "Art" Farmer (August 21, 1928, Council Bluffs, Iowa –...
said that it "opens the door to countless means of melodic expression" and critic Joachim-Ernst Berendt
Joachim-Ernst Berendt
Joachim-Ernst Berendt was a German music journalist, book author and producer specialized on Jazz.-Life:...
described it as "the first work deriving a theory of jazz harmony from the immanent laws of jazz" and as "the pathbreaker for Miles Davis' and John Coltrane's 'modality'". Bill Evans
Bill Evans
William John Evans, known as Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist. His use of impressionist harmony, inventive interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire, and trademark rhythmically independent, "singing" melodic lines influenced a generation of pianists including: Chick Corea, Herbie...
and Miles Davis
Miles Davis
Miles Dewey Davis III was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz,...
utilized the theory and used it to record modal jazz, such as the album Kind of Blue
Kind of Blue
Kind of Blue is a studio album by American jazz musician Miles Davis, released August 17, 1959, on Columbia Records in the United States. Recording sessions for the album took place at Columbia's 30th Street Studio in New York City on March 2 and April 22, 1959...
. John Coltrane's modal jazz is usually analyzed using Russell's method. Additionally, many conservatories teach Russell's theory to varying degrees.