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In music, modulation is most commonly the act or process of changing from one key to another. This may or may not be accompanied by a change in key signature. Modulations articulate or create the structure or form of many pieces, as well as add interest.
A recurring gag within the Muppets' musical performances is a character announcing a modulation just before it occurs by shouting "modulate!" This tells the other characters (or, in some cases, the audience) that it's time for a quick key change.
Instances
- When singing "Cottleston Pie" on The Muppet Show Rowlf takes the time to explain to the audience "now this is where the song changes key, what we call modulation" before changing to G-sharp minor. Rowlf does the same when performing the song on Ol' Brown Ears is Back saying "now this is where the song does what you call modulate."
- Fozzie tells Rowlf to modulate when the two are playing "English Country Garden" on The Muppet Show.
- Rowlf shouts "up a key!" to inform the chorus to modulate during the performance of "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" on The Muppet Show.
- Fozzie tells the Muppets to modulate during the "Brotherhood of Man" musical number in I Love Liberty.
- Kermit and Robin announce their modulation during the opening theme for the Muppet Babies "Yes, I Can" videos.
- Rowlf announces the modulation when performing "Old Dog Trey" on Ol' Brown Ears is Back by emotionally shouting "modulate!"
- Gonzo tells Rizzo to modulate when the two are singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" on A Green and Red Christmas.
- Gonzo also tells the Muppets (Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, Rizzo and Pepe) to modulate during their 2009 performance of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" on "Christmas in Rockefeller Center".