Roman-Numeral Chordal Analysis

Definition

Roman-numeral chordal analysis is a method used to analyze and label the chords in a piece of music using Roman numerals. It helps identify the harmonic function and relationships between chords.

Analogy

Think of Roman-numeral chordal analysis as creating a musical family tree. Just like how you can trace your family lineage through generations, this analysis allows you to trace the progression and connections between chords in a piece of music.

Related terms

Figured Bass: Figured bass is a shorthand notation system that uses numbers and symbols written below or above the bass line to indicate the intervals above the bass note in a chord.

Part-Writing Rules: Part-writing rules are guidelines that dictate how individual voices should move melodically and harmonically when writing multiple parts or voices in music.

Harmonic Function: Harmonic function refers to the role or purpose that a particular chord serves within a key or tonal center. It categorizes chords into functions such as tonic, dominant, subdominant, etc.