Quartal harmony

Definition

Quartal harmony is a harmonic structure based on the interval of a perfect fourth, where chords are built by stacking notes that are a fourth apart rather than the traditional stacking of thirds. This technique often creates a more modern, ambiguous sound that can evoke various emotional responses and is frequently used in jazz, contemporary classical music, and film scoring. Quartal harmony stands in contrast to traditional triadic harmony, offering composers and songwriters new ways to explore tonal colors and textures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quartal harmony can produce a sense of open space or ambiguity due to the absence of traditional root movement found in triadic harmony.
2. It is often associated with 20th-century composers like Claude Debussy and contemporary jazz musicians who sought to break away from traditional harmonic constraints.
3. In quartal harmony, chords can be easily transposed or moved around, allowing for smooth voice leading and creative modulation between keys.
4. This technique is frequently used in modal music, which emphasizes scales and modes rather than strict chord progressions.
5. When combined with other advanced techniques like polychords or polytonality, quartal harmony can create intricate and layered soundscapes.

Review Questions

• How does quartal harmony differ from traditional tertian harmony in terms of chord construction and emotional impact?
  • Quartal harmony differs from traditional tertian harmony primarily in its construction method, as it builds chords by stacking notes a fourth apart instead of a third. This leads to a less predictable emotional impact since quartal harmony often creates an ambiguous sound that can evoke different feelings compared to the more stable and resolved nature of tertian chords. Composers use quartal harmony to explore new emotional territories in their music, making it a favored choice in modern compositions.
• Discuss how quartal harmony can influence the overall texture and color of a piece of music compared to traditional harmonic methods.
  • Quartal harmony influences the overall texture and color of a piece by introducing an open, airy quality that contrasts sharply with the denser sounds produced by traditional harmonies built on thirds. This technique allows for richer layering and greater complexity, as musicians can intertwine quartal chords with other harmonic techniques like extended chords or polytonality. The result is often a more fluid and contemporary sound that encourages listeners to experience music in a fresh way.
• Evaluate the role of quartal harmony in contemporary music genres such as jazz and film scoring, considering its impact on audience perception.
  • In contemporary genres like jazz and film scoring, quartal harmony plays a significant role by adding depth and richness to the musical landscape. Its unique sound invites listeners to engage with the music on an emotional level, often enhancing the storytelling aspects in films or creating a more immersive experience in jazz improvisation. By using quartal harmony, composers can evoke feelings of tension or resolution, prompting audiences to feel more connected to the narrative or atmosphere of the piece. This innovative approach helps redefine audience expectations around harmony and creates diverse listening experiences.

Related terms

Tertian Harmony: A harmonic structure based on the interval of a third, where chords are built by stacking notes that are a third apart, forming traditional major and minor triads.

Polytonality: The use of two or more different keys or tonalities simultaneously, creating complex harmonic structures that can interact with quartal harmony.

Extended Chords: Chords that go beyond the basic triad by adding additional notes, typically using intervals of thirds, but can also incorporate fourths to create richer harmonic textures.