Quartal harmony

Definition

Quartal harmony refers to a system of chord construction based on stacking intervals of fourths rather than the traditional thirds. This approach creates a more modern, open sound that is often associated with styles like cool jazz, where musicians sought to evoke a relaxed atmosphere through innovative harmonic structures. Quartal harmony often lends itself to improvisation and experimentation, which are key aspects of this genre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quartal harmony gained prominence in the cool jazz movement of the late 1940s and early 1950s, contrasting with the more traditional harmonic practices of earlier jazz styles.
2. Prominent cool jazz musicians like Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck frequently used quartal harmony to create a distinct sound that emphasized subtlety and nuance.
3. The use of quartal harmony often results in chords that lack a clear tonal center, allowing for more freedom in improvisation and composition.
4. In addition to jazz, quartal harmony can also be found in various styles of modern classical music, reflecting its versatility and appeal across genres.
5. Quartal harmony can create a sense of movement and tension in music, as it encourages players to explore non-traditional resolutions and chord progressions.

Review Questions

• How does quartal harmony differ from traditional harmonic practices in jazz?
  • Quartal harmony differs from traditional harmonic practices by stacking intervals of fourths instead of thirds. This creates chords that are often perceived as more modern and less tonally centered. In contrast to the common practice of using triads and seventh chords built on thirds, quartal harmony introduces a more open sound that aligns with the relaxed atmosphere found in cool jazz. This shift not only influences the harmonic structure but also encourages a different approach to improvisation.
• Discuss the role of key figures in cool jazz who utilized quartal harmony and how it shaped their musical approach.
  • Key figures in cool jazz such as Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck effectively utilized quartal harmony to shape their unique musical approaches. Davis’s use of quartal chords helped create a more introspective and atmospheric sound in works like 'Kind of Blue.' Similarly, Brubeck’s compositions often featured quartal harmonies that contributed to their intricate yet accessible nature. Their innovative use of this harmonic technique not only defined their individual styles but also influenced many other musicians within the genre.
• Evaluate the impact of quartal harmony on the development of modern jazz and its implications for future genres.
  • The impact of quartal harmony on modern jazz is significant as it expanded the harmonic vocabulary available to musicians. By breaking away from traditional tonal centers and encouraging exploration through fourths, quartal harmony paved the way for other experimental styles like modal jazz. This shift allowed artists to move beyond conventional chord progressions, influencing a wide range of genres beyond jazz, including rock and contemporary classical music. The lasting effects of quartal harmony can be seen today as musicians continue to incorporate these principles into their work, fostering innovation across multiple musical landscapes.

Related terms

Cool Jazz:

A subgenre of jazz that emerged in the late 1940s, characterized by a more laid-back, mellow sound and complex harmonies.

Modal Jazz: A style of jazz that uses musical modes rather than chord progressions as the basis for improvisation, allowing for greater harmonic freedom.

Extended Chords: Chords that include notes beyond the standard triad, such as seventh, ninth, eleventh, or thirteenth, creating richer harmonic textures.