when an artist violates a musical expectation (or fulfills it in an unexpected way), resulting in listener chills when combined effectively with an Acoustic Pattern
“I did not see that climax coming at all. Makes me feel tingly every time”
How It Works
When artists use the Surprise pattern, they directly trigger our startle response. This involuntary reaction prompts us to take defensive measures when we hear an unexpected sound, whether its an unseen door slamming or a clever musical surprise. Sudden changes in sound reliably trigger this response because hearing is the fastest of the five senses. While light travels faster than sound, its processed more slowly in the eye than sound in the ear. When musicians feature surprises that are effectively integrated into the musical flow, this can trigger a fear response that moves listeners to chills.
Technique 1: Sonic surprise
When an artist features a large change in frequency content or dynamics at an unexpected moment. These surprises are typically preceded by a passage that guides listeners to anticipate a certain pitch (e.g. a perfect cadence) or continuation of a repetitive texture (e.g. long, quiet section). By focusing listeners on harmonic form or sequence repetition, artists can make a sudden change in register, instruments, or loudness especially jarring. When artists effectively pull off a sonic surprise, this can often trigger a fear response and induce listener chills. Some of the ways artists implement this technique are:
— Abrupt broadening or contracting of the frequency range (e.g. ensemble entrance after sparse solo section)
— Certain large changes in dynamics (e.g. loud stab after a pause, drop out from loud ensemble to quiet solo)
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Frisson Reported by Listeners
Technique 2: Harmonic surprise
When an artist introduces an unexpected chord or chord structure at a prominent moment. These surprises typically occur on resolution notes at the end of a cadence, when artists are expected to hear a chord with a certain root note or structure (e.g. major triad). By using well-signaled cadences, artists can make the appearance of a different chord especially jarring. When artists effectively pull off a harmonic surprise, this can trigger a fear response and induce listener chills. Some of the ways artists implement this technique are:
— Novel harmonizations (e.g. diminished chord after a sequence of major triads)
— Sudden transitions from inharmonic to harmonic sounds
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Frisson Reported by Listeners
Technique 3: Tonal surprise
When an artist alters the tonal center of a piece at an unexpected moment. These surprises typically occur on resolution notes at the end of a cadence, when listeners anticipate the root note of the current tonality and instead hear something different. When artists effectively pull off a tonal surprise, this can trigger a fear response and induce listener chills. Some of the ways artists implement this technique are:
— Certain direct modulations to “remote” keys (e.g. shifts by half step, whole step, minor third)
— Tonal resolution after prolonged tonal ambiguity (e.g., verse hits at EbM and CM, chorus confirms EbM)
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Frisson Reported by Listeners
Technique 4: Rhythmic surprise
When an artist introduces a tempo change or shift in rhythmic emphasis at an unexpected moment. These surprises typically occur on resolution notes or at the peaks of melodic phrases. By focusing listeners on melodic and harmonic motion, artists can make rhythmic shifts especially jarring and attention-grabbing. When artists effectively pull off a rhythmic surprise, this can trigger a fear response and induce listener chills. Some of the ways artists implement this technique are:
— Shifts between even vs. odd-numbered subdivisions (e.g., hemiolas, “skipped” beats)
— Shifts in BPM (e.g., subtle shifts involving 4:3 or 3:2 BPM ratios, or straight vs. rubato shifts)
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Frisson Reported by Listeners
Technique 5: Melodic surprise
When an artist suddenly change the interval size or melodic material at an unexpected moment. These surprises typically occur at the peaks of phrases or during transitions between sections. By guiding listeners to formulate a strong expectation that they will hear a certain pitch at a certain time, artists can make melodic shifts especially jarring and attention-grabbing. When artists effectively pull off a melodic surprise, this can trigger a fear response and induce listener chills. Some of the ways artists implement this technique are:
— Return of a theme (e.g. after seeing theme early in piece, artists brings tune back at prominent climax)
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Frisson Reported by Listeners