Harmonic progression

Definition

Harmonic progression refers to the sequence of chords in a piece of music that creates a sense of movement and resolution. This concept is crucial in understanding the structure and emotional impact of compositions, especially during the Renaissance when harmony became more intricate and expressive. It helps to connect melodies and establishes relationships between different tonalities, enhancing the overall musical experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Renaissance, harmonic progression evolved significantly, moving from simpler structures to more complex arrangements that created rich textures in music.
2. Composers like Guillaume Dufay and Orlando di Lasso employed harmonic progressions to enhance the emotional depth and expressiveness of their vocal polyphony.
3. Harmonic progressions often follow specific patterns, such as the circle of fifths, which provides a logical structure for composers and listeners alike.
4. The use of dissonance within harmonic progressions became more prevalent during this period, leading to greater tension and resolution in musical phrases.
5. As music transitioned into the Baroque period, harmonic progression continued to develop, paving the way for more elaborate forms such as figured bass and functional harmony.

Review Questions

• How did harmonic progression contribute to the evolution of music during the Renaissance?
  • Harmonic progression played a key role in the evolution of music during the Renaissance by allowing composers to create more complex and expressive works. This period saw a shift from simple structures to intricate chord sequences that enhanced emotional depth. Composers like Dufay and di Lasso utilized these progressions to connect melodies and enrich their vocal polyphony, marking a significant advancement in musical composition.
• In what ways did harmonic progression influence the works of composers like Dufay and di Lasso?
  • Composers like Dufay and di Lasso utilized harmonic progression to create intricate textures and emotional resonance in their music. Their ability to navigate through various chord sequences allowed them to establish a strong sense of movement and resolution. This exploration of harmony not only enriched their compositions but also set the foundation for future developments in Western music, influencing how harmonies were understood and applied in subsequent periods.
• Evaluate how the development of harmonic progression during the Renaissance laid the groundwork for later musical styles, particularly in relation to Baroque music.
  • The development of harmonic progression during the Renaissance laid critical groundwork for later musical styles by introducing more complex chord sequences and an increased use of dissonance. As composers experimented with these techniques, they created a richer musical language that directly influenced Baroque music's functional harmony and figured bass. This evolution not only enhanced emotional expression but also established fundamental principles that composers would build upon in the future, leading to innovations in structure and form.

Related terms

Chord: A combination of three or more notes played simultaneously, forming the basic building blocks of harmony.

Cadence: A harmonic or melodic configuration that creates a sense of closure or pause in music, often marking the end of a phrase or section.

Counterpoint:

The relationship between voices that are harmonically interdependent yet independent in rhythm and contour, emphasizing the complexity of harmonic progression.