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2.1.5 Wing-color identity

Question. Does the piece have a coherent wing-color (d5-flavored or A5-flavored), or is mode-mixture used intentionally?

How to check.

  1. Catalog the orbits used. Categorize them as d5-wing (Q676, Q686, Q767), A5-wing (Q878, Q788, Q688, Q868), or core (Summits, Plateaus).
  2. Compute the relative weight (number of measures) spent in each wing.
  3. Is the distribution skewed toward one wing? If so, the piece has a wing-color identity.
  4. If it crosses freely between wings, is each crossing a structural moment (mode mixture, modulation), or is it incidental drift?

Common findings. Beginning OTH composers often drift unconsciously between wings, missing the opportunity to use wing-color contrast as an expressive resource.