Topic 1: Elements of Music - Harmony

Definition of Harmony

The s_____ of t___ o__ m____ d____ n____ or p____ that are p____ or s____ at the e____ s___ t____.

sound, two or more different notes, pitches, played, sung, exact same time

Definition of a Chord

A c____ of t____ o__ m____ t____ sounded s____.

combination, three or more tones, simultaneously

Definition of Chord Progression

M____ from o__ c____ to a____ o____ t____ to set an e____ m____, t____, and o___ s____ f____ of a piece of music.

moving, one chord, another over time, emotional mood, tone, overall structural foundation

Definition of Triad

A s____ c____ made up of t___ n___ s____ in i____ of a t___ (a____ t____ of the s____).

specific chord, three notes stacked, intervals, third (alternate tones, scale).

Types of Triad Chords

1. Tonic Chord (I)

• A triad built on the f____ (t____) n____ of the s____

• Serves as the m____ c____ of a piece; it is s____ and c_____

• A pieces usually b____ and e____ with a tonic chord

2. Dominant Chord (V)

• A triad built on the f___ n____ of the s____

• Creates s___ i____, usually r___ by the tonic chord (I); the p___ of t____

• V - I chord pattern gives a s___ s____ of c____ to the end of a p____, m____, or p____

3. Subdominant Chord (IV)

• A triad built on the f____ n____ of the s____

• Offers g___ m____ and t___ t___ as the piece

first (tonic) note, scale
main chord; stable, conclusive
begins, ends

fifth note, scale
strong instability, resolved, peak, tension
strong sense, conclusion, phrase, melody, piece

fourth note, scale
gentle movement, transitional tension

Consonance and Dissonance

Both terms are used to d____ the level of s____ and t____ in a s____.

Consonance is a sound that feels s____, r____, and c____; the notes b___ s____ together w____ h____.

Dissonance is a sound that feels u____, t____ and u____; the notes create a___ f___ or c____ that d____ r____.

It can be used to create d____, m____, and a____ in a piece, adding v___ and a sense of f____ m____.

The p____ from a dissonant sound to a consonant sound is known as r____.

It creates d___ e____.

describe, stability, tension, sound

stable, restful, complete; blend smoothly, without harshness

unstable, tense, unresolved; active friction, clash, demands resolution

drama, movement, anticipation, variety, forward motion.

progression, resolution

dramatic effect

Arpeggio (broken chord)

A m____ t____ where the n___ of a chord are p____ o___ a____ a____ instead of all at the same time.

It c____ m____, a____ e____, and serves to provide h____ and r____ at the s___ t____.

Ascending arpeggios often feel u___, h____, or d____ while descending arpeggios can feel c____, s____, or g_____.

musical technique, notes, played one after another

creates movement, adds emotion, harmony, rhythm, same time

uplifting, hopeful, dramatic. calming, sorrowful, grounding

The Importance of Harmony

• S____ a m____

• Gives music e____ d____ and c____, creating a r___, f___ e____

• Different chord combinations e___ s____ f____ such as j___, s____, s____, or t____

• Certain chord progression patterns (e.g. I - IV - V - I) give a piece d____ and a c___ s___ of d____ or e____

supports, melody

emotional depth, color, rich, full experience

evoke specific feelings, hoy, sadness, suspense, triumph

direction, clear sense, destination, ending