Is a modulation still heard in relation to the first tonality?

[Bob]

Fun question. 

I'm listening to a piece of music.  Simple song.  But it modulates.  Makes it sound fresher, more intense. 

And I'm sure someone would think, yeah it's just a modulation big deal.  But I think it is effective.  And to me that modulation key does sound different.  It's a different color.

And of course it returns to the original key at the end, and that really does sound like a return.


And I'm losing my thought....   Is there something different about a key you modulate to?  Does it affect the color of those tones?  That G Major isn't going to sound like G Major "home key" but it could sound like G Major "up a fifth from the home key?"

[faulty_damper]

Yes.  From your description of a simple dominant modulation, it will sound different in relation to the first tonic.

Yes then no, if that modulation is prolonged and aural memory fades of the original tonic.  But then yes when there is some musical recapitulation where previous musical material are reintroduced in the original key.  This depends on the listeners aural memory of both musical material and tonal centers.