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I'd also like to see visualizations which aren't based on the standard linear mapping of increasing semitones. For example, following the circle of fifths instead, and/or contextualizing to the subset of notes used in the song's musical key. Making the root note visually more dominant and the others in proportion according to mode, etc.

I don't mean to take anything away from this beautiful visualization, just something which I think would take it to the next level.




Check out the smalin versions of the Open Source Art of the Fugue:

http://www.musanim.com/ArtOfFugue/

He explains his choice of visualizations for each piece... All based on a world class recording.

Here's the playlist of his favorites.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLtj_HurkS7Zy5ocS2jbmtgk-mu...

My favorite is the Canon in reverse motion, where it's laid out to show you how Bach uses mirror versions of each melody.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLtj_HurkS7Zy5ocS2jbmtgk-mu...

Or maybe it's the final Fugue on three subjects, done to show you where Bach stopped composing and how ishizaka completed the piece from elements of the entire work.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLtj_HurkS7Zy5ocS2jbmtgk-mu...

Anyway lots to explore here.


As baddox mentioned - gary garrett does this! eg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA1C9VFqJKo

I have been wondering for a while if it's possible to show both harmonic and melodic relationships at the same time - garett's visualization shows the b7 to 1 movement as a large harmonic leap, but hides the fact that it's a small melodic movement


I understood more about music watching this than in 2 years of (casual) musical training


Here's a video that uses a circle-of-fifths display: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lNhkEgdrmo


I came here to say the same thing. Moonlight has a complex harmonic structure which is completely hidden by the repetitive arpeggio and tiny interval changes. Seeing it on the circle of fifths would make it much clearer.

While listening, it occurred to me that Beethoven probably did not use a piano tuned to equal temperament. I wonder what temperament he would have used.




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