Rules of harmony Flashcards
Rule 1:
No consecutive 5ths in the same pair of voices. 5th have very strong stability and resistance to forward motion, and are the only interval that can define a triadic root.
Rule 2:
No consecutive octaves. When there are octaves in the same two parts one after the other, we call them “consecutive octaves”.
Rule 3:
No hidden consecutives. Hidden consecutives happen when:
- The bass and soprano parts form a perfect 5th or octave AND
- The 5th/8ve is approached by similar motion AND
- The soprano part is approached by a leap (not by step).
In all voices, leaps of which intervals are not allowed?
7th, aug. 2nds, and aug. 4ths
leading notes in dominant chords always resolve to what note?
tonic
Always choose what kind of interval if it’s available?
semitone step
For vocal melody writing, avoid leaps greater than:
a perfect 5th
For vocal melody writing, the best intervals to use are:
2nds and 3rds
For vocal melody writing, what can easily become boring?
repeated notes
What notes can you double in chords?
- Root position – 1 or 5
- First Inversion – anything goes
- Second inversion – 5
Watch out for: - diminished chords (ii° and vii°) – ONLY double the third
- chord VI in minor keys CAN double the third
Vb – CAN’T double the third
Never exceed what interval between soprano, alto and tenor parts?
octave
Men’s church range
A to middle C
Women’s church range
A to upper C
When writing vocal parts, don’t let the parts:
overlap
Modulation is usually achieved by…?
A pivot chord, followed by a V-I progression in the new key.
What is a pivot chord?
A chord that is found in both the old and new key. It is a stepping stone to reach the new key area.
How can you confirm a new key area when modulating?
Use a V-I cadence which will redefine the leading note-tonic relationship.
When modulating, make sure your melody includes what?
notes which are unique to the new key and not present in the old one.
How do you find pivot chords?
- Write the letter names of the scale in the original key
- write the letter names of the new key underneath, starting at the same point (matching the letter names).
- Cross out any letter names that don’t match (G and G#)
- Determine pivot chords from the notes remaining.
Cadence?
special kinds of progression which are used to signify that a piece, or section/phrase of a piece, has come to an end.
3 Basic cadences?
V - I: “perfect” cadence
IV - I: “plagal” cadence (Amen)
? - V: “imperfect” cadence
Spacing - adjectent upper voices should not be more than how far apart?
octave
What are open and closed position?
closed is when the three upper voices are as close together as possible - no additional chord tone can be inserted between adjacent voices.
What is the difference between chord construction and voice leading?
Chord construction is about how to put together vertical sonorities while voice leading is about the linear movement of each voice and their sense of progression.
What is step-wise motion in a melody called?
conjunct
What is skip-wise motion called?
disjunct
In 4 part writing, traditionally, what are the roles of the three parts?
Bass - to regulate harmonic motion; Soprano - to sing the melody as it is the most exposed and prominent line; inner parts - to complete the harmonies.
What is Parallel motion of voices
Both voices move in the same direction and maintain the same numerical interval
What is similar motion of voices?
both voices move in the same direction but the interval between them changes
What is oblique motion of voices?
One voice remains stationary while the other moves.
What is contrary motion of voices?
Both voices move in opposite directions.
What should be avoided in voice crossings?
Do it briefly, and don’t cross over the soprano or bass line as it may obscure it.
Overlapping, what about it?
When one voice moves into the position formerly held by another voice, which can be confusing in 4-part writing and should be avoided.
