Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence

Definition

The Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence is a progression of chords where each subsequent chord is built a fourth higher than the previous one, creating a sequence that moves upward in pitch. This technique is often used to establish momentum and drive in a musical piece, especially in the context of secondary dominant chords, which temporarily tonicize other chords outside of the home key.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sequence can be notated as a series of triads or seventh chords, all spaced a perfect fourth apart.
2. In an Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence, you might start with a dominant chord and then build upon it by moving through various secondary dominants.
3. This harmonic sequence can create a sense of increasing tension and expectation, making it effective in preparing for a resolution.
4. When writing parts for an Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence, it’s crucial to maintain good voice leading to ensure smooth transitions between chords.
5. Common examples include moving from a secondary dominant to its tonic, using the ascending fourths sequence to create exciting modulations.

Review Questions

• How does the Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence function in relation to secondary dominant chords?
  • The Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence often incorporates secondary dominant chords by building each chord in the sequence a fourth higher than the previous one. This creates tension as each dominant chord resolves to its respective tonic, establishing temporary tonalities that enhance the harmonic richness of a piece. By using this technique, composers can create a sense of movement and anticipation that draws listeners into the music.
• Discuss how voice leading is important when applying an Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence in part writing.
  • Voice leading is essential when applying an Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence because it ensures that each voice transitions smoothly from one chord to the next. In practice, this means avoiding large leaps and maintaining common tones wherever possible. Good voice leading helps create cohesive harmonic progressions that sound natural and pleasing, which is especially important when incorporating secondary dominants that may introduce unexpected changes.
• Evaluate the impact of using an Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence on the overall structure and emotional impact of a musical composition.
  • Using an Ascending Fourths Harmonic Sequence significantly impacts both the structure and emotional narrative of a composition. This technique not only enhances harmonic complexity but also builds a palpable sense of tension that can drive the music forward. By creating expectations through ascending patterns and resolving them through secondary dominants, composers can evoke various emotions ranging from excitement to resolution. The continuous upward motion can symbolize growth or ascent in storytelling within music, making it a powerful tool for expressive composition.

Related terms

Secondary Dominant: A chord that functions as the dominant (V) of a diatonic chord other than the tonic, often used to create tension and resolve to the target chord.

Voice Leading:

The practice of writing music in a way that each individual voice or part moves smoothly and logically from one note to the next.

Functional Harmony: A system of chord progressions that defines how chords relate to each other within a key, influencing how music moves forward and resolves.