Music Explains Time by a simple diagram and a little knowledge of the musical theory behind our Circle of Fifths.
As you go to the right, from key to key (being one-in twelve part of the circle), a fifth is ascended. As in the example above, from the “D” to “A” on the outside of the circle is five tones, as in D-E-F-G-A. Musical tones use the first seven letters of the alphabet which then repeat over and over again in a higher or lower registers. Thus we have, a,b,c,d,e,f,g,a,b,c,d,e,f,g… going left to right when you ascend. These same seven letters are read backwards, right to left, when music descends Going right (as in D to A) moves toward the direction of the future. Going counter-clockwise, as D as G, moves you backwards into the past. Therefore the circle of fifths follows the basic set up and plan of a clock. This can be used to great advantage by a musician when playing a selection of music.
At the same time, sharps are added to the various key signatures starting with F# in the key of G major. D major has two sharps. The second sharp is a fifth higher the the 1st sharp of G major which houses F#. Flats are added in counterclockwise direction. Each new flat is a fifth lower than the previous flat. Not only do the major and minor keys interlock by fifths but so do their sharps and flats.
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Magic Square Inspiration External link to John Michell: https://www.amazon.com/City-Revelation-John-Michell/dp/0345258754 |
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