Chapter 2: Harmony, Texture, and Form

Harmony

When multiple pitches are heard simultaneously

Chords

Intervals stacked vertically (produced simultaneously)

Triad

Generally, in tonal music, simultaneous surrounding of pitches a third and a fifth above the root of a chord

Root

Defines the chord’s name and tonality; typically, the lowest note in a triad

Major Chord

Chord that has a root note, a major third above the root, and a perfect fifth above the root note

Minor Chord

Chord that has a root note, a minor third above the root, and a perfect fifth above the root note

Key

A tonality named after the main pitch

Texture

Musical relationship among multiple parts

Monophony

A single, unaccompanied melody line without harmony; in an ensemble, played in unison

Heterophony

Multiple variations of a single melody line played simultaneously

Polyphony

Multiple voices with separate melodic lines and rhythms

Homophony

A main melodic line supported by one or more additional lines that provide harmonic support. 

Form

Refers to the overall structure or plan of a piece of music

Through Composed

A continuous piece of music that doesn’t repeat sections or return to previous material

Call and Response Form

A leading vocalist or instrumentalist will perform a musical line, which in turn will be responded to by a group, potentially with variation

Strophic Song Form

Same tune is repeated with different lyrics; contains no chorus