MKT 100 chords

C Major and Related Keys

  • Tonic Key: C major.
    • Closely Related Key:
    • G major
    • F major
      • Relationship of F major to C major:
      • Subdominant (IV)
      • Lower dominant
    • Close relationship explained through musical structures in Baroque music.

Baroque Music Structures

  • Binary Forms:
    • Characteristics:
    • Rounded binary forms or smaller pieces common in Baroque music.
    • Rounded Binary Form:
    • Structure: ABBA
      • A section followed by a contrasting B section, which resembles A but is varied.
    • Concept exploration through practice.

Forms of Binary Music

  • Types of Binary Form:
    • Simple Binary Form:
    • Composed of two sections: A and B, potentially with repeat bar lines.
    • Rounded Binary Form:
    • Structure resembling ternary but is distinct, follows A, B, and returns to A (altered or varied).
    • B Section Characteristics:
    • Described as a digression, utilizing motifs from A but is shorter (usually four bars compared to eight in A).
    • Relies heavily on material from the A section, which might be transposed.

Key Areas and Modulation

  • Modulation Focus:
    • A section often ends in tonic (C major) or dominant, most typically modulating to G major or D major in digression.
  • Fashionable Practices:
    • Norms adhered to by composers due to trends rather than strict rules, e.g., classical modulations adhered to popular practices of the time.

Evolving Musical Trends

  • Transition to Beethoven-style Modulation:
    • A switch in traditions with Beethoven, who introduced modulation to the mediant, reflecting a new trend.
    • Modern-day trends evolve much faster than those observed in the past.

Rounded Binary Form Exemplification

  • Listening Exercise:
    • Participants encouraged to compare opening melody to digression in compositions as preparation for practical application.
  • Potential use of examples in lessons, with visual aids for clarity on how A and B sections relate.

Triads: Definitions and Examples

  • Definition of Triad:
    • A triad consists specifically of three notes, while a chord is a broader term that refers to two or more notes played simultaneously.
  • Types of Chords:
    • Triad Types:
    • Major, minor, augmented, diminished.
    • Chords Beyond Triads:
    • Includes quartal chords, quintal chords, mixed interval chords, and clusters.

Identifying Different Triads

  • Triad Construction Procedures:
    • Examples using alternative root notes demonstrate how triads can be structured in root positions.
  • Types of Triads (Flat or Sharp):
    • Identification of triad types using intervals.
    • Major Triad: Major, minor third.
    • Minor Triad: Minor, major third.
    • Diminished Triad: Minor, minor third.
    • Augmented Triad: Major, major third.

Types of Triads and Their Characteristics

  • Common Mistakes and Simplifications:
    • Simplifying identification methods without losing clarity in understanding the types and functions of triads.

Triad Inversions in Harmony

  • Understanding Inversions:
    • Root Position: Defined as the lowest note being the root with 5-3 indication.
    • First Inversion: Bottom note becomes the third, marked as 6-3.
    • Second Inversion: Bottom note is the fifth, marked as 6-4.
  • Importance for Analysis:
    • Triad inversions and function marking essential for harmony analysis—students expected to practice these formats.

Analysis of Musical Pieces

  • Common Elements in Questions:
    • Key position at the start of pieces, analysis of chords presented, etc.
    • Identifying Triads and Inversions: Recognition that questions will specify types and positions, emphasizing careful reading.
    • Students must be able to discern the context of chords affecting their tonality within major or minor frameworks.

Conclusion on Chord Theory Usage

  • Function of Secondary Dominants: Usage explored through examples where dominant function of relative chords applies despite retaining original tonal center.
    • Practical Application: Importance of the harmonic minor for extracts and melodic minor for melodies.
    • Overarching goals of music study focusing on building fluency for identifying and creating harmonies using triads in compositions.