Music Theory Notes 2

Question 1

What are the key concepts of Diatonic Harmony?

Answer 1

Key Concepts of Diatonic Harmony
1. Diatonic Scales:
o Major Scale: Consists of whole and half steps in the pattern W-W-H-W-W-W-H. For example, the C major scale includes the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.
o Natural Minor Scale: Consists of whole and half steps in the pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W. For example, the A minor scale includes the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
2. Diatonic Chords: Chords that are constructed from the notes of the diatonic scale. In any given key, these chords are formed by stacking thirds on each scale degree.

Diatonic Chord Construction in Major and Minor Keys
In a Major Key (e.g., C Major):
* I (Tonic): C major (C-E-G)
* ii (Supertonic): D minor (D-F-A)
* iii (Mediant): E minor (E-G-B)
* IV (Subdominant): F major (F-A-C)
* V (Dominant): G major (G-B-D)
* vi (Submediant): A minor (A-C-E)
* vii° (Leading Tone): B diminished (B-D-F)

In a Natural Minor Key (e.g., A Minor):
* i (Tonic): A minor (A-C-E)
* ii° (Supertonic): B diminished (B-D-F)
* III (Mediant): C major (C-E-G)
* iv (Subdominant): D minor (D-F-A)
* v (Dominant): E minor (E-G-B)
* VI (Submediant): F major (F-A-C)

Question 2

Define Diatonic Harmony

Answer 2

Diatonic harmony: the use of chords that are built from the notes of a single diatonic scale. A diatonic scale is a seven-note scale that consists of five whole steps and two half steps in each octave. The most common diatonic scales are the major and natural minor scales.

Question 3

Explain the importance of tension and resolution.

Answer 3

Tension and resolution are fundamental to musical structure and expression. They create emotional arcs and narrative drive within a piece of music, guiding the listener through cycles of expectation and fulfilment. The interplay between tension and resolution keeps music engaging and dynamic, allowing composers and performers to evoke a wide range of emotions and responses from their audience.

Question 3

Importance of diatonic harmony

Answer 3

Diatonic harmony is fundamental in Western music because it provides a clear and cohesive framework for composition. It establishes a strong sense of key and tonality, which helps to guide the listener’s ear through the music. By using chords derived from a single scale, diatonic harmony maintains a sense of unity and consistency, making it a foundational concept in music theory and practice.

Question 3

What is the first key characteristic of counterpuntal music?

Answer 3

1. Independence of Voices: Each voice in contrapuntal music has its own distinct melody. These voices move independently of each other, though they often harmonise when heard together.

Question 4

What is the 2nd key characteristic of counterpuntal music?

Answer 4

2. Harmonic Interdependence: While each voice is melodically independent, they are designed to work together harmonically, creating consonance and controlled dissonance.

Question 5

What is the 3rd key characteristic of counterpuntal music?

Answer 5

3. Imitative and Non-Imitative Counterpoint:
   o Imitative Counterpoint: This involves repetition of a melodic idea in different voices, either at the same pitch or at different pitches. A fugue is a classic example, where a theme is introduced by one voice and then imitated by others.
   o Non-Imitative Counterpoint: In this type, the voices have different melodic material that works together harmonically without direct imitation.

Question 6

Define Counterpoint

Answer 6

Counterpoint: a technique in music composition where two or more independent melodic lines (or voices) are combined harmoniously. These lines are rhythmically and melodically distinct but interact with each other to create a cohesive musical texture. The practice of counterpoint dates back to the Mediaeval and Renaissance periods and was particularly prominent during the Baroque era.

Question 7

Discuss the development of harmonic progression.

Answer 7

Development: Tonal harmony evolved from the polyphonic modal tradition of the Renaissance, which in turn was based on the rules of counterpoint.

Question 8

Discuss the chord succession of harmonic progression.

Answer 8

Chord Successions: Certain chord successions are typical of tonal harmony and are essential for composing convincing tonal music. Some progressions create a sense of movement toward a goal, while others seem aimless

Question 9

Define Sequence

Answer 9

Sequences: A sequence is a pattern repeated immediately in the same voice, starting on a different pitch class. It can be tonal (within the same key) or real (modulating to a new key).

Question 10

Imitation vs. Sequence

Answer 10

Imitation vs. Sequence: Imitation occurs between two or more voices, while a sequence occurs within a single voice.

Question 11

Tonic Triad (I):

Answer 11

A strong chord that often precedes the tonic triad, providing resolution and closure.

Question 12

Dominant Chord (V):

Answer 12

A strong chord that often precedes the tonic triad, providing resolution and closure.

Question 13

The II Chord

Answer 13

• Pre-dominant Function: The ii chord usually precedes the V chord in a progression, creating a strong pre-dominant to dominant movement.

Question 14

The VI Chord

Answer 14

• Circle of Fifths Progression: Extending the progression backward to include the vi chord. This progression is often found in popular music.

Question 15

The VII Chord

Answer 15

• Substitute for V: The vii° chord often acts as a substitute for the V chord and is usually followed by the tonic triad.

Question 15

The III Chord

Answer 15

• Less Common in Major: In major keys, the iii chord is less frequently used and often replaced by the I6 chord. In minor keys, the III chord is more common.

Question 16

The IV Chord

Answer 16

• Pre-dominant and Plagal Functions: The IV chord can act as a pre-dominant chord, moving to V or vii°, or it can create a plagal cadence by moving directly to I.

Question 17

Differences in the Minor Mode

Answer 17

Mediant Triad: The iii chord is more common in minor keys, representing the relative major key.
- Variable 6̂ and 7̂: The minor mode includes variability in the 6th and 7th scale degrees, producing different chord qualities and functions. Notable chords include the subtonic VII and the minor v chord.

Question 18

What are the functions of diatonic chords and provide examples?

Answer 18

Functions of Diatonic Chords
1. Tonic (I or i): The home chord, providing a sense of resolution and rest.
2. Dominant (V or v): Creates tension that seeks resolution back to the tonic. In minor keys, the dominant is often altered to a major chord (V) to strengthen this pull.
3. Subdominant (IV or iv): Prepares the dominant and can also lead back to the tonic.

Examples of Diatonic Progressions
In C Major:
* I-IV-V-I: C major (C-E-G) → F major (F-A-C) → G major (G-B-D) → C major (C-E-G)
In A Minor:
* i-iv-V-i: A minor (A-C-E) → D minor (D-F-A) → E major (E-G#-B) → A minor (A-C-E)