Thanks John, you're getting at the answer to the question I keep having trouble articulating. I need to hear midi files that include harmony to hear the chords that are in various modes. I've listened to many tunes in the DT, even used the ABC program, listened to many of Bruce's scarce songs (and too many are unbeknownst to me), and Jack's songs that illustrate the various modes. But my first problem is that I'm just not familiar with many of these songs. The second problem is that I'm trying to figure out if songs written in modal form also follow I, IV, V7 patterns (without the 7 in the V7). I think you just answered that, so I'm anxious to hear your midis. My only other question (at this time) has to do with chord prgression patterns. Since I couldn't find my music books last night, this is purely from memory. I remember something about the circle of fifths superimposed on a clock face, and the chord progression of many simple tunes is analogous to the clock hand occillating on both sides of 12 o'clock (or the tonic). The other example is John Denver's music which often has a linear chord progression. Does this translate to modal music? Are there "patterns" seen in the various modes? Do certain songs of a time period or culture use various patterns more often? I think someone said something about Appalachian music often being pentatonic. These are the topics that interest me.

Thanks again. I'm printing out this thread (and Bruce's and Jack's info) to take to work with me today. Just hope my boss/husband doesn't see me sneaking a read!

Mary