Complexe sonore

Complexe sonore: the octatonic scale may be arranged as four major chords or seventh chords  Play .

Octatonic scale on E (bottom), and symmetrical rotations by minor third (t3) of the Dorian mode on E, G, B♭, and D♭, (top three) from that scale.

The complexe sonore is an octatonic chord consisting of minor third relations.

More precisely, the complexe sonore is Igor Stravinsky's use of diatonic and whole tone motifs, and scales, against a octatonic background, rotated by minor thirds. Stravinsky, "considered them to be in a perpetual state of potential symmetrical rotation by minor thirds (hereafter represented by the figures /0 3 6 9/) under which the octatonic background scale is invariant."

See also

• French sixth chord