Chapter 4: Part-writing and non-chord notes Flashcards
What is part-writing?
Arranging a four voice texture piece to maximise the use of chords.
What is similar motion?
Both voices move in the same direction.
Why is similar motion bad for part-writing?
It is very disjunct and lacks independence.
Why is contrary motion better for part-writing?
It allows the soprano to gain independence from the bass and results in smaller leaps.
What is the common disjunct rule in part-writing?
Have as much conjunct movement as possible with very small disjunct.
What should be done if disjunct in the melody is inevitable?
Ensure the note after such a leap returns within the span of the interval.
What are the part-writing rules for inner voices (alto + tenor)?
Try to keep conjunct movement or frequently stay on the same note, with no more than leaps in 3rds.
How can a good texture be achieved?
Keep upper parts close together and maintain a sizeable gap between bass and tenor for independence.
Which degree of the triad is repeated in four voices texture?
The tonic.
What does traditional harmony ban?
Parallel 5ths and parallel octaves between any of the four voices.
What is oblique motion?
One part stays on the same pitch while the other part moves up or down.
What is an example of a tendency note?
Leading note.
What are non-chord notes?
Additional notes to provide rhythmic movement and a better sense of melodic flow.
What is a passing note?
A note that can be inserted to fill in the gap with stepwise movement where there is a leap of a 3rd.
What is an unaccented passing note?
Notes that don’t come on the beat and fill the gaps between the chord notes.
What is an accented passing note?
Notes that come on the beat.
What are auxiliary notes?
A note that lies a step above or below two harmony notes of the same pitch.
What is the 1st stage of a suspension?
Preparation is where the note that will cause the suspension is first heard as part of a normal chord.
What is the 2nd stage of a suspension?
Suspension is where the prepared note is held or repeated as the other parts move to a different chord, creating dissonance.
What is the 3rd stage of a suspension?
Resolution is when the suspended note falls by a step to a note of the new chord to end the dissonance.
What is the important rule when writing suspensions?
The resolution should not also be sounded in any other part.
What are the 3 types of suspensions?
4-3, 7-6, 9-8.
How can each type of suspension be identified?
Identify it by whether the resolved note is the 3rd, 6th, or 9th above the root of the chord (bass note).
How can a resolution be decorated in a Baroque way?
By adding a lower auxiliary.
What are crossing parts?
Where the lower part reaches a higher pitch than the higher part.
What is an appoggiatura?
A type of suspension without any preparation.
What is a chromatic appoggiatura?
Where a chromatic rises upwards in the 2-3 form.
What are anticipations?
Weak-beat dissonance that foreshadows the next harmonic note by introducing it before the rest of the chord.
