🎵Intro to Musicianship Unit 6 – Harmony and Voice Leading Fundamentals

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Harmony refers to the simultaneous sounding of multiple pitches to create chords and chord progressions
• Voice leading involves the smooth and logical movement of individual voices within a musical texture
• Intervals measure the distance between two pitches and form the building blocks of chords (perfect fifth, major third)
• Triads are three-note chords built on a root, third, and fifth (major triad, minor triad)
  • Triads can be inverted to create different voicings (root position, first inversion, second inversion)
• Seventh chords add an additional third above a triad, creating a four-note chord (dominant seventh, major seventh)
• Harmonic progression describes the sequence of chords in a musical passage, often following established patterns (I-IV-V-I)
• Cadences are specific chord progressions that provide a sense of resolution or tension at the end of a phrase (perfect cadence, plagal cadence)

Intervals and Chord Structure

• Intervals can be classified as consonant or dissonant based on their perceived stability and harmony
  • Consonant intervals include perfect intervals (unison, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, octave) and major/minor thirds and sixths
  • Dissonant intervals include minor seconds, major seconds, tritones, and major/minor sevenths
• Intervals can be inverted by raising the lower note an octave or lowering the upper note an octave (minor third inverts to major sixth)
• Chords are built by stacking intervals, typically thirds, on top of a root note
• The quality of a chord is determined by the intervals it contains (major chord: M3 + m3, minor chord: m3 + M3)
• Chords can be extended beyond triads by adding additional thirds, creating seventh chords, ninth chords, and beyond
• The lowest note of a chord is called the bass note and plays a crucial role in determining the chord's inversion and function

Triads and Seventh Chords

• Triads are the most basic type of chord, consisting of a root, third, and fifth
• The four main types of triads are major, minor, diminished, and augmented
  • Major triads have a major third and perfect fifth (C-E-G)
  • Minor triads have a minor third and perfect fifth (C-Eb-G)
  • Diminished triads have a minor third and diminished fifth (C-Eb-Gb)
  • Augmented triads have a major third and augmented fifth (C-E-G#)
• Seventh chords are created by adding a seventh interval to a triad
• Common seventh chords include dominant seventh (major triad + minor seventh), major seventh (major triad + major seventh), and minor seventh (minor triad + minor seventh)
• Seventh chords can also be inverted, with each inversion having a specific name and function (root position, first inversion, second inversion, third inversion)

Voice Leading Principles

• Voice leading aims to create smooth, logical, and independent movement of voices within a musical texture
• Common voice leading principles include:
  • Avoid parallel fifths and octaves between voices to maintain independence
  • Resolve tendency tones (leading tone, chordal seventh) according to their natural inclinations
  • Use contrary motion between voices to create interest and avoid parallel motion
  • Keep common tones between chords in the same voice to create a sense of continuity
• Proper voice leading helps to create a sense of coherence and flow in a musical passage
• Voice leading principles apply to both harmonic progressions and melodic writing
• When doubling notes in a chord, prioritize doubling the root, then the fifth, and lastly the third to maintain a balanced sound

Harmonic Progressions

• Harmonic progressions are sequences of chords that create a sense of movement and tension/resolution in a musical passage
• Chords within a key are assigned Roman numerals based on their scale degree (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°)
  • Upper-case numerals indicate major triads, while lower-case numerals indicate minor triads
• Common harmonic progressions include:
  • I-IV-V-I (authentic cadence)
  • I-vi-IV-V (pop progression)
  • ii-V-I (jazz turnaround)
• Harmonic rhythm refers to the rate at which chords change in a progression
• Effective harmonic progressions balance tension and resolution, often ending with a cadence
• Deceptive progressions, such as V-vi, can be used to create surprises and prolong a musical idea

Cadences and Phrase Structure

• Cadences are specific chord progressions that provide a sense of ending or punctuation to a musical phrase
• The four main types of cadences are:
  • Perfect Authentic Cadence (PAC): V-I, with both chords in root position and the melody ending on the tonic
  • Imperfect Authentic Cadence (IAC): V-I, with one or both chords inverted or the melody ending on a non-tonic note
  • Plagal Cadence (PC): IV-I
  • Deceptive Cadence (DC): V-vi
• Cadences help to define the structure and phrasing of a musical composition
• Phrases are musical units that typically end with a cadence and have a sense of completeness or resolution
• Antecedent and consequent phrases are used in period structures, where the antecedent ends with a weaker cadence (IAC or HC) and the consequent ends with a stronger cadence (PAC)

Analyzing Musical Scores

• When analyzing a musical score, identify the key signature, meter, and any other relevant information
• Label chords using Roman numerals, taking into account the key and any accidentals
• Identify cadences and phrase structures to understand the overall form of the piece
• Analyze the voice leading between chords, noting any instances of parallel fifths/octaves, contrary motion, or common tone retention
• Consider the relationship between the melody and harmony, and how they work together to create a cohesive musical idea
• Look for patterns in the harmonic progression and identify any deviations or surprises
• Annotate the score with your findings to create a clear and comprehensive analysis

Practical Applications and Exercises

• Practice identifying intervals by ear and on the staff to develop a strong foundation in harmony
• Construct and identify triads and seventh chords in various keys and inversions
• Analyze the harmony and voice leading in short musical excerpts, such as chorale phrases or popular song progressions
• Compose short phrases or progressions that demonstrate proper voice leading and harmonic movement
• Practice harmonizing melodies using appropriate chords and voice leading techniques
• Identify cadences and phrase structures in a variety of musical styles and genres
• Collaborate with peers to analyze and discuss the harmonic content of more complex musical works
• Regularly sight-sing and play through harmonic exercises to reinforce concepts and develop practical skills