key term - Harmonic Sequence

Definition

A harmonic sequence is a specific type of musical sequence where a series of chords or harmonies are built on a descending pattern of intervals. Each chord in the sequence maintains the same intervallic relationship to its preceding chord, creating a sense of forward motion and tension. This technique is often used to create a sense of progression in music, especially when working with secondary leading tone chords that introduce additional tonal color and harmonic complexity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harmonic sequences can be created using various chord types, including triads and seventh chords, allowing for diverse harmonic textures.
2. In the context of secondary leading tone chords, harmonic sequences often highlight the relationship between dominant and tonic functions, emphasizing resolutions.
3. Sequences can be transposed up or down by maintaining the same interval structure, providing flexibility in composition.
4. When writing harmonic sequences, it's essential to maintain proper voice leading to ensure smooth transitions between chords.
5. Harmonic sequences often appear in classical music, particularly in the works of composers like Bach and Mozart, who utilized them to enhance musical development.

Review Questions

• How does a harmonic sequence function in relation to secondary leading tone chords?
  • A harmonic sequence interacts closely with secondary leading tone chords by providing a structured way to navigate through different tonal areas. As secondary leading tone chords introduce temporary tonicizations, the harmonic sequence can create tension and resolution through its intervallic patterns. This movement not only enhances the listener's experience but also reinforces the importance of leading tones that resolve to their respective tonics.
• Discuss how voice leading principles apply when composing a harmonic sequence.
  • When composing a harmonic sequence, adhering to voice leading principles is crucial for maintaining smooth melodic transitions. Each chord should connect seamlessly to the next, ensuring that individual voices move in a way that is both musically satisfying and structurally coherent. By following techniques such as minimal movement between adjacent notes and maintaining common tones, composers can create an effective harmonic sequence that feels cohesive and purposeful.
• Evaluate the role of harmonic sequences in classical music composition, particularly regarding tension and resolution.
  • Harmonic sequences play a significant role in classical music composition by establishing patterns of tension and resolution that drive musical narratives. Composers like Bach and Mozart expertly utilized these sequences to build emotional intensity within their works, guiding listeners through moments of anticipation followed by satisfying resolutions. The ability to manipulate harmonic sequences allows composers to explore complex relationships between chords, enriching the overall texture and depth of their compositions while maintaining a sense of direction.

Related terms

Chord Progression:

A series of chords played in succession, creating a harmonic foundation for a piece of music.

Leading Tone:

The seventh scale degree in a diatonic scale, which creates tension that typically resolves to the tonic.

Voice Leading:

The practice of writing smooth and logical transitions between individual melodic lines or voices in music.