Conversion from the sql_variant data type to the large-value data types is an explicit conversion. Large-value data types cannot be converted to the sql_variant data type. For more information about how to convert from the xml data type, see Create Instances of XML Data.
Modulation is a device in music that allows a transition from one key to another. There are many types of modulation: Common chord modulation pivots on a chord common to both keys. Parallel modulation moves between major and minor keys of the same tonic.
Tonality is what scale the music is in, usually major of minor. -major = happy-minor = sad-modal = sounds like monks singing in a monastery-pentatonic = chinesey-gamelan music, all the black notes-atonal = clashing sounds, nothing nice about it.