Planetary Modes and Music

The modes associated in the Renaissance with each planet are listed with the final or note upon which each mode cadences listed in parentheses. The characterization of the music of each planet by the Renaissance philosopher and astrologer Marsilio Ficino are also given.


Saturn

Mixolydian Mode

(G) A B C D E F G

“voices that are slow, deep, harsh and plaintive” Marsilio Ficino, Three Books on Life, Bk. III, Chapter 21 (Kaske & Clarke) page 361.

Jupiter

Lydian Mode

(F) G A B C D E F

“The music...of Jupiter is deep, earnest, sweet and joyful with stability.” Three Books on Life, page 361.


Mars

Phrygian Mode

(E) F G A B C D E

“...voices that are...quick, sharp, fierce and menacing...” Three Books on Life, page 361.


The Sun

Dorian Mode

(D) E F G A B C D

“...if [the songs] with their grace and smoothness they are reverential, simple and earnest, the songs are judged to be Apollo’s [the Sun’s].” Three Books on Life, page 361.


Venus

Hypolydian Mode

C D E (F) G A B C

“To Venus...we ascribe songs voluptuous with wantonness and softness.” Three Books on Life, page 361.

Mercury

Hypophrygian Mode

B C D (E) F G A B

“[if the songs]...are somewhat more relaxed along with their gaiety, but vigorous and complex, they are Mercury’s.” Three Books on Life, page
361.

The Moon

A B C (D) E F G A

Hypodorian Mode

Ficino says that the voice of the Moon is in between that of Saturn and Mars. Three Books on Life, page 361.