Section 3 Notes
MODULE 1 – PART 3 Harmony
Harmony in music adds support, depth and richness to a melody. It refers to the way chords are constructed and how they follow each other. A chord is defined as a combination of three or more tones sounded at once. A chord progression is a series of chords. Chord progressions enrich a melody by adding emphasis, surprise, suspense, and/or finality.
Consonance and Dissonance
Some chords are considered stable and restful, while others are unstable and tense. A tone combination that is stable and restful is called a consonance. Consonances are points of arrival, rest, and resolution. Conversely, a tone combination that is unstable and tense is termed a dissonance. Dissonance conveys tension that demands an onward motion to a stable chord. The process by which dissonance resolves to a consonance is known as resolution. Both consonance and dissonance can exist in varying degrees; thus, some consonant chords are more stable than others, and some dissonant chords are more tense than others.
The Triad
The simplest chord in Western music is the triad, which consists of three distinct tones. A triad built on the first note of the scale (referred to as the tonic note) is called the tonic chord; it is the main chord of a piece, representing stability and conclusiveness. The tonic chord usually initiates and often concludes a composition. The triad built on the fifth note of the scale (the dominant note) is next in importance to the tonic chord and is called the dominant chord. This dominant chord is strongly drawn towards the tonic chord, creating significant tension that ultimately resolves to the tonic chord. The transition from a dominant chord to a tonic chord is referred to as a cadence. The term 'cadence' describes both the resting point at the end of a melody and a chord progression that imparts a sense of conclusion.
Broken Chords (Arpeggios)
When the individual tones of a chord are sounded sequentially, rather than simultaneously, the resultant form is known as a broken chord or arpeggio.
Key
In music, the term 'key' refers to a central tone, scale, and chord. Key encompasses the presence of a primary note, scale, and chord within a piece, with all other tones heard in relation to this structure. An alternative term for key is tonality, which conveys the same idea of relatedness to a central tone.
The Major Scale
The major scale consists of two kinds of intervals—whole steps and half steps—arranging them in a specific pattern. The half step is recognized as the smallest interval used in Western music, with the whole step being measured as equivalent to two half steps. A major scale can initiate on any of the twelve tones in an octave, yielding twelve possible major scales.
The Minor Scale
In conjunction with the major scale, the minor scale is another fundamental aspect of Western music. The minor scale, like the major scale, consists of seven unique tones and an eighth tone that duplicates the first an octave higher. It differs from the major scale in its distinct pattern of intervals, or whole and half steps. Similar to the major scale, it can also start on any of the twelve tones in an octave, resulting in twelve possible variations for each type of minor scale: natural (or pure minor), harmonic minor, and melodic minor.
The Key Signature
When a composition is based on a major scale, it is said to be in a major key; conversely, if it is based on a minor scale, it is referred to as being in a minor key. To indicate the key of a piece of music, a composer uses a key signature, which consists of sharp or flat symbols placed immediately following the clef sign at the start of the staff of a musical composition.
The Chromatic Scale
The twelve tones of the octave, comprising all the white and black keys in one octave on the piano, form the chromatic scale. This scale differs from the major and minor scales, as its tones are all equidistant (one half-step apart). The term 'chromatic' is derived from the Greek word 'chroma,' meaning color. Chromatic scales traditionally serve to embellish or add color to the tones of major and minor scales, though they do not define a key. Their tones contribute a sense of motion and tension within a composition.
Modulation: Change of Key
Transitioning from one key to another within the same piece is described as modulation. Modulation represents a temporary shift in the musical center of gravity, yielding a new central tone, chord, and scale. Although modulations can be subtle and difficult to detect, they invoke subconscious effects that enhance our enjoyment of the music.
Tonic Key
Regardless of how often a piece shifts key, there is typically one main key called the tonic key. The tonic key serves as the central key around which the entire work is organized. Traditionally, a piece will often commence in the tonic key and nearly always conclude in it. Other keys serve as subordinate to the tonic key.
Musical Texture
The term 'musical texture' describes the different layers of sound present at a given moment in a piece, which may be composed of a single unaccompanied melody, multiple simultaneous melodies, or a melody combined with supporting chords. Musical texture encompasses how many different layers of sound are heard simultaneously, the types of these sound layers (whether melody or harmony), and the relationships between these layers. Three primary musical textures are identified—monophonic, polyphonic, and homophonic.
Monophonic Texture
Monophonic texture refers to a singular melodic line without any accompaniment, meaning it literally signifies "one sound." When performing alone, an individual is creating monophonic music. Even when multiple instruments or voices perform the same melody at the same pitch, they are engaging in a unison performance, which results in a fuller, richer monophonic texture.
Polyphonic Texture
When two or more melodic lines of relatively equal interest are performed simultaneously, the resulting texture is termed polyphonic, indicating multiple sounds. In polyphony, several melodic lines vie for attention. The technique of amalgamating several melodic lines into a cohesive whole is termed counterpoint. The phrase "contrapuntal texture" may occasionally be used synonymously.
Polyphonic music frequently features imitation, wherein a melodic idea is introduced by one voice or instrument and is subsequently restated immediately by another voice or instrument.
Homophonic Texture
When a predominant melody is heard accompanied by chords, the texture is recognized as homophonic. The focus remains on the melody, which is sustained and enhanced by subordinate sounds.
Musical Form
Musical form pertains to the organization of musical ideas over time. In a composition, elements such as pitch, tone color, dynamics, rhythm, melody, and texture interact to yield a distinct sense of shape and structure. The clarity of form can be enhanced through increased awareness and the recollection of these components via repetitive listening.
Techniques That Create Musical Form
Three key techniques facilitate the development of musical form: repetition, contrast, and variation.
Repetition generates a sense of unity; it appeals to the human inclination to recognize and remember patterns. In music, the repetition of melodies or extended sections contributes to a feeling of cohesiveness and balance, embedding a melody in memory while providing symmetry to a composition.
Contrast introduces forward motion, conflict, and mood changes. This can be achieved through oppositions such as loud vs. soft, strings vs. woodwinds, fast vs. slow, and major vs. minor, which propel and evolve musical concepts.
Variation allows certain characteristics of a musical idea to be retained while others are modified. For instance, the melody could be articulated with different accompaniments, or the pitches of a melody might remain constant while its rhythmic pattern varies. A complete composition may be created from a series of variations derived from a single musical idea.
Types of Musical Form
Specific musical forms are prevalent in various genres of popular music. Examples include the 12-bar blues structure (consisting of three four-bar phrases) and the 32-bar song form (AABA, where the B section, or "bridge," employs new harmonic content).
Musical Style
In music, style refers to a distinctive approach to the usage of melody, rhythm, tone color, dynamics, harmony, texture, and form. The specific manner in which these elements are combined yields a unique overall sound. Musical styles transition over historical periods and evolve continuously, making any boundary between styles merely approximate. Accurately describing the music's elements at any given moment enhances enjoyment by fostering a deeper understanding of the composition. Greater comprehension of music, combined with the functionalities of its elements, can significantly magnify the listening experience. Notably, significant musical works typically necessitate repeated listening to uncover and appreciate the depth and richness contained within them.