Prolongation

Definition

Prolongation is the technique of extending a harmony or a melodic line over a period of time, effectively maintaining its presence within the musical texture. This concept often involves the use of pedal points and ostinatos, where a specific pitch or pattern is sustained while other harmonies or melodies develop around it. Prolongation helps to create a sense of continuity and can enhance the emotional impact of a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prolongation can occur in various forms, such as harmonic prolongation, where chords are extended, or melodic prolongation, where a melodic line is sustained.
2. In tonal music, prolongation often supports larger structural elements, such as phrases or sections, contributing to overall coherence.
3. Pedal points used in prolongation can create tension and release when they resolve to different harmonies.
4. Ostinatos contribute to prolongation by providing rhythmic and melodic stability, allowing other elements to explore and vary without losing a sense of groundedness.
5. Effective use of prolongation can add depth to compositions, enhancing the listener's experience by creating moments of anticipation and resolution.

Review Questions

• How does prolongation contribute to the overall structure and coherence of a musical piece?
  • Prolongation enhances the overall structure by maintaining a sense of unity throughout a piece. By extending harmonies or melodies, composers create continuity that ties various sections together. This connection helps listeners follow the musical narrative and makes transitions between different parts smoother and more engaging.
• Discuss the relationship between pedal points and prolongation in creating tension and resolution within music.
  • Pedal points play a significant role in prolongation by providing a stable foundation over which harmonies can change. As other musical elements shift around the sustained note, tension builds until it resolves, often leading to satisfying harmonic changes. This interplay creates dynamic contrasts that enrich the emotional experience of the music.
• Evaluate how ostinatos can facilitate prolongation and impact the listener's perception of rhythm and melody.
  • Ostinatos can profoundly influence how prolongation is perceived by establishing a repetitive framework that allows melodies and harmonies to evolve while maintaining rhythmic stability. By anchoring the listener's attention with a familiar pattern, composers can explore variations without losing engagement. This technique not only heightens the anticipation for changes but also reinforces the emotional undercurrents present in the music.

Related terms

Pedal Point: A sustained note, typically in the bass, that remains constant while harmonies above it change, serving as an anchor in the music.

Ostinato: A repeated musical phrase or rhythm that provides a foundation for variations and developments in the surrounding musical material.

Tonality: The organization of music around a central pitch, known as the tonic, which establishes the key and influences how harmony and melody are constructed.