Chapter 3: Harmony - Musical Depth Flashcards
Harmony
The simultaneous combination of notes and the ensuing relationships of intervals and chords
Chord
Simultaneous combination of three or more pitches that constitute a single block of harmony
Scale
Series of pitches in an ascending or descending order, comprising the notes of a key
Octave
Interval between two notes eight diatonic pitches apart; the lower note vibrates half as fast as the upper and sounds an octave lower
Triad
Common chord type, consisting of three pitches built on alternate notes of the scale
What aspect of music does harmony describe?
Vertical aspect
What is the most common chord in western music?
Triad
Major scale
Scale consisting of seven different pitches that comprise a specific pattern of whole and half steps (W-W-H-W-W-W-H); differs from the minor scale primarily in that its third degree is raised half a step
Minor scale
Scale consisting of seven different pitches that comprise a specific pattern of whole and half steps (W-H-W-W-H-W-W); differs from the major scale primarily in that its third degree is lowered half a step
Tonic
The first note of the scale or key (“do”); central pitch around which a melody and its harmonies are built
Tonality
Principle of organization around a tonic or home, pitch, based on a major or minor scale
Dissonance
Combination of tones that sounds discordant and unstable, in need of resolution
Consonance
Concordant or harmonious combination of pitches that provides a sense of relaxation and stability in music
What does the scale chosen as the base of a piece determine?
The identity of the tonic and the key of the piece
Dissonance resolves in _____.
Consonance
