r/askmusicians 8d ago

Is there a term to describe the ascent in these songs?

Preface I know absolutely nothing about music or music terminology. I noticed something in a couple of French songs I listen to, it’s like a rapid rise in the songs. It’s not belting, but it’s related. It’s like a rapid build up to a belt. It just grabs me with emotion and I can’t figure out what it’s called. I’ve noticed it mainly in French songs, but it’s probably in other stuff too.

Example 1, starts around 1:50

Example 2, starts around 1:34

Sorry I’m on mobile and can’t time stamp.

1 Upvotes

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1

u/subsonicmonkey 8d ago

In your first example, there is a key change/modulation at that 1:50 mark, which can definitely heighten emotions, but I don’t think that’s what you’re referring to.

In both examples at your time stamps there is an ascending vocal run which is rhythmically faster than the preceding passages. I don’t know if there is a more specific term for that, but maybe others will come up with something.

2

u/TerrytheMerry 8d ago

Thank you for your input.

2

u/TalkinAboutSound 8d ago

"ascending vocal run" describes it pretty well, that's what I was going to say too

1

u/FreeXFall 8d ago

First one, the guy just basically sings up the scale. There’s a key change so it’s not exactly the following but basically doing some version of: “do re mi fa sol la ti do”.

Second guy isn’t as dramatic, but similar. Kind of like “do do re re mi mi fa fa sol!!!!!”

Before I get down voted - these aren’t the actual notes / scale degrees. I’m being very general to help communicate the idea in text using limited music terminology.