harmony and tonality

What is harmony?

The use of chords and how they are structured.

What is tonality?

The system of key relationships and sense of a tonal centre.

How did harmony and tonality change between 1750–1900?

From clear, functional diatonic harmony → increasingly chromatic, unstable, and tonally expansive writing.

What are features of harmony in the galant style?

Simple, diatonic harmony with reliance on primary chords (I, IV, V).

How is harmony used in Johann Stamitz Symphony in D Op. 3 No. 2 (1750)?

Use of pedals, strong primary chords, tonic returns in development (early sonata form not fully established).

How does Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach use harmony in Symphony in E minor (1756)?

Sudden diminished 7th chords interrupt harmonic flow and rapid, unexpected modulations.

What are harmonic features of early Joseph Haydn (e.g. Symphony No. 2 in C, 1760)?

Simple diatonic harmony, circle of fifths progressions, minor key second subject creates contrast.

What is notable about harmony in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 40 (1788)?

Movement II (Andante) largely in G minor, creates intensity and emotional depth.

What are harmonic features of Haydn 104?

Clear tonic–dominant relationships, modulation to closely related keys.

What is unusual about the Minuet and Trio in Haydn 104?

Minuet in D major → Trio in B♭ major (distant key), uses augmented 6th chord to return to D major.

How did Ludwig van Beethoven expand harmonic language?

Used more distant modulations and weakened traditional tonal stability.

What is notable about harmony in Beethoven Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” (1804)?

Modulates to distant keys, uses flattened 2nd and flattened 6th scale degrees.

What is the tonal journey in Beethoven Symphony No. 5 (1808)?

Begins in C minor → ends in C major, moves from darkness to triumph.

What is notable about tonality in Beethoven Symphony No. 9 (1824)?

Movement II: D minor → unexpected C major; finale: D minor → D major resolution.

How does Mendelssohn use harmony?

Some chromaticism and wider modulations but still relatively Classical in approach.

What specific harmonic features appear in Mendelssohn 4?

Slow harmonic rhythm, use of diminished 7ths, chromatic descending melodies.

What defines Romantic harmony?

Increased chromaticism, delayed resolution of dissonance, use of extended chords and altered harmonies.

How is harmony used in Hector Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique (1830)?

Tonality often obscured by chromaticism, frequent cadences establish shifting key centres.

How does Franz Liszt use harmony in Eine Faust-Symphonie (1845)?

Highly chromatic, approaches atonality, extreme harmonic development.

What are harmonic features of Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 9 “New World” (1893)?

Mostly tonal but includes modal inflections (folk influence), unexpected modulations (e.g. D♭ major → E minor).

How did harmony and tonality evolve from 1750–1900?

From clear diatonic systems with strong tonal centres → increasingly chromatic harmony and weakened tonal stability.