Tonality of the month: ReachMin

The tonality of the month is ReachMin or Phrygian dominant — a Reach or harmonic heptatonality.

ReachMin or Phrygian dominant, a fully anchored Reach heptatonality, is the tonality of this month of March 2024. It combines a PhrygAeolian upper with a regular Reach lower tetrachord. That is the interval of an augmented second from its minor second to its major third. Thus, it juxtaposes strong but well rounded anchored contrasts. Among its notes, the major third is contrasting. The enriching, uplifting, and assertive quality of this pitch arises from being one of the first harmonics of the tonic. While the minor second and minor sixth give ReachMin its distinct Phrygian character.

ReachMin and raga Bairagi Bhairav (with Sa re ma Pa ni)

What triggered ReachMin to come forth again at this time is that it is the closest in the Tonalibus catalogue to what constitutes the basis of Bairagi Bhairav, a raga in Hindustani classical music that apparently has been considered to be one of if not the most important raga for centuries. A current effort of Tonalibus is to correlate its catalogue of tonalities with Indian ragas. This now appears to become a most fruitful undertaking. A first gem thus discovered is this raga, Bairagi Bhairav. Its feel is close to and its pitches identical to ReachMin without its third and sixth. Thus a new pentatonality with striking harmonic qualities emerges that is so far not in the Tonalibus catalogue and at least a fascinating derivative of ReachMin. More on the correlation of Tonalibus and ragas to come.

You may enjoy a sound sample or tonality loop as sound mantra for contemplation or meditation. This can help with upliftment, purification, and focusing. Or it could simply be used as soothing background sound for relaxation and regeneration. If you care to hum, chant, or sing along, you could use a spiritually charged syllable like Ōṃ / Aum ॐ, or HU, or another mantra syllable that suits you.