Rast mode
Basis / Final: C
Incipit: C, E 1 comma flat, or G
Elemental structure: 5x-rast on C, 4x-rast on G
Extension: 4x-rast on low G
Sub-final: low B 1 comma flat
Dominants: G (primary), E 1 comma flat (secondary)
Attractions:
· D↝D#, in ascending phrases and/or in phrases gravitating around the dominant E 1 comma flat;
· F↝F#, in ascending phrases and/or in phrases gravitating around the dominant G;
· B 1 comma flat↝Bb, nearly systematic in descending phrases.
Dromos Rast
The adjustment to equal temperament is referred to as dromos Rast or equal-tempered Rast mode (or Rast*) and occurs as illustrated in the following figure. All the characteristics of the corresponding microtonal mode are preserved.
Examples
- Chariklaki (verse)
- Echi i Ellada omorfies
- Gkamilieriko
- Ise fonias
- Marika chasiklou
- Mes stou Vavoula ti gouva
- O lathreboras (instrumental)
- Tris orfanes
- Zebekano spaniolo
This excerpt is taken from my book The Theory of Rebetiko, in which I explore the modal system of Greek music as it pertains to the rebetiko genre. To access the full text—including in-depth discussions, tables, illustrations, and musical transcriptions of the examples—visit this page and immerse yourself in the rich world of Greek modal music.
