Harmony

Definition

Harmony refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously to create a pleasing sound. In music, harmony enriches melodies and adds depth to compositions, influencing emotional responses and establishing the overall atmosphere of a piece. The use of harmony varies significantly across different styles and periods, reflecting the evolution of musical thought and expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During Beethoven's time, harmony became more adventurous, with composers experimenting with chromaticism and unconventional chord progressions.
2. In the Lied and song cycles, harmony is used to support the text's emotional content, often aligning closely with the lyrical themes and mood.
3. Romantic symphonies expanded harmonic vocabulary, employing richer chords and modulations to heighten emotional expression.
4. Beethoven's later string quartets showcased innovative harmonic structures, breaking away from classical norms and creating a more personal sound.
5. The interplay of harmony and melody became increasingly significant in Romantic music, allowing composers to convey deeper emotional narratives.

Review Questions

• How did Beethoven's approach to harmony evolve throughout his string quartets, and what impact did this have on his overall style?
  • Beethoven's evolution in harmony can be seen as a transition from traditional Classical structures to innovative and bold harmonic choices in his later string quartets. He began to use dissonance more freely, creating tension that would eventually resolve into rich harmonies. This shift allowed for greater emotional depth and complexity in his music, marking a significant departure from earlier compositional techniques and setting the stage for future Romantic composers.
• In what ways does harmony enhance the emotional storytelling in Lied and song cycles during this period?
  • Harmony plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional storytelling in Lieder and song cycles by complementing the lyrics with appropriate musical support. Composers carefully crafted harmonic progressions that mirrored the feelings expressed in the text, using techniques like modulation to reflect shifts in mood. This close relationship between text and harmony allowed performers to deliver a more poignant and expressive interpretation, making the music resonate deeply with listeners.
• Evaluate how the use of harmony contributed to the development of programmatic elements in Romantic symphonies.
  • The use of harmony significantly contributed to programmatic elements in Romantic symphonies by allowing composers to evoke specific emotions or depict narrative scenarios through musical means. Composers like Berlioz and Tchaikovsky utilized rich harmonic textures and dramatic chord progressions to paint vivid soundscapes that reflected their thematic intentions. By manipulating harmony, they could signal climactic moments or transitions within their narratives, effectively guiding listeners through an emotional journey that transcended mere musical notes.

Related terms

Dissonance:

A combination of notes that clash or create tension, often resolved by moving to a consonant harmony.

Chord Progression: A sequence of chords played in succession, forming the harmonic backbone of a piece of music.

Counterpoint:

The relationship between voices that are harmonically interdependent yet independent in rhythm and contour, often used to create complex textures in music.