Music Theory Alchemy

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“Hoppipolla” by Sigur Rós is a dreamy and atmospheric piece that showcases the band’s unique style. The chord progression in the verse consists of D#m, E, D#m, and E chords, which creates a simple and elegant harmonic structure. The use of open strings and melodically moving chords in this progression reflects the ethereal nature of this piece. This progression can be found in both rock and alternative music genres, as it uses the powerful major and minor chords found throughout these styles. The repetitive nature of the chord progression mirrors the band’s tendency to use slow-building and evolving textures in their compositions.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Hoppipolla” by Sigur Rós can be considered as being in the key of B Major, featuring a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords. The progression shows Sigur Rós’ signature atmospheric and emotive style, utilizing various harmonic techniques to create a lush chord progression.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major, evident from the chords in the verse, pre-chorus, and bridge sections. The chord progression in the chorus introduces a borrowed chord from parallel minor, displaying elements of modal mixture. The style of the song features heavy electronic elements, industrial rock aesthetic, and a dark and seductive atmosphere.

The chord progression in MGMT’s “Kids” is quite simple and based on a single chord throughout the instrumental sections, focusing mainly on creating a catchy melody and rhythm. The simplicity of the progression reflects the musical styles seen in synth-pop and electronic dance music genres.

Sigur Rós – Hoppipolla – Instrumental

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Chord Progression

D#, E, B, G#m, F#, E

Chord Progression Analysis

D# Major (I), E Major (V/♭VII – borrowed chord), B Major (IV), G# Minor (i – borrowed chord), F# Major (V/v), E Major (♭VII)

Borrowed Chords: V/♭VII and i
“`
E Major (V/♭VII), G# Minor (i)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – Exit Music (For a Film)
Chord Progression:
A Minor (i), E7/G# (V+/vi), G Major (♭VII), C Major (III), B Major7 (II – borrowed chord), A7sus4 (♭II♯I)

2. Coldplay – Fix You
Chord Progression:
E♭ Major (I), B♭/D (IV/♭VII), G# Minor (iii – borrowed chord), B♭ (♭VII), A♭ (V), B♭ (♭VII)

Please note that these examples are not perfect matches but serve to provide related chord progressions employing mode mixture and/or modal interchange within similar genres of music.

Musical Analysis

Starting in the key of D# Mixolydian, Sigur Rós plays a D# Major chord, followed by an E Major chord, which is borrowed from the parallel key of D# Minor, acting as a secondary dominant (V/♭VII). The chord progression then switches its focus to the relative key of G# Dorian with a B Major, a IV chord in this mode.

Subsequently, the G# Minor chord introduces the borrowed i chord in this new key, as the progression gravitates toward the G# Dorian mode. From here, the F# Major chord acts as a secondary dominant, targeting the subsequent E Major chord (V/v).

Lastly, the progression ends on E Major, which pulls back to the initial D# Major chord (♭VII) at the beginning, effectively creating a loop.

Overall Analysis

Sigur Rós, an Icelandic post-rock band known for their ethereal sound and experimental use of various instruments, has crafted a unique chord progression in their piece “Hoppipolla.” This progression features six chords that change mode from D# Mixolydian to G# Dorian. The chords used are D#maj, E, B, G#m, F#, and E. Sigur Rós blends the modal interchange with their distinct soundscapes, evoking a dreamy atmosphere fitting for the post-rock genre.

Style Analysis

“Hoppipolla” combines the elements of post-rock, ambient music, and modern classical. The band achieves this through the use of unconventional tonality, creating a unique, ethereal soundscape. Mode mixture and modal interchange underpin the chord progression, adding depth and the air of unpredictability.

Chords in the Instrumental section of Hoppipolla by Sigur Rós are:

D#, E, B, G#m, F#, E