Non-functional harmony

Definition

Non-functional harmony refers to a harmonic structure that does not adhere to traditional rules of chord progressions and resolutions, where chords do not serve a clear tonal function or lead to a specific resolution. This approach allows composers to create music that emphasizes color, texture, and atmosphere over traditional tonal relationships, leading to innovative and expressive musical experiences. Non-functional harmony can be seen as a shift away from conventional harmonic practices, allowing for greater freedom and exploration in composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non-functional harmony is often characterized by static harmonies or chords that linger without moving towards a resolution.
2. Impressionist composers frequently employed non-functional harmony to evoke imagery and moods rather than adhering to traditional tonal structures.
3. In atonality and serialism, non-functional harmony plays a critical role by emphasizing chromaticism and avoiding traditional key centers.
4. Neoclassical composers sometimes incorporated non-functional harmony as a way to reference earlier styles while still innovating in their harmonic language.
5. The use of non-functional harmony has influenced various musical genres, including jazz, contemporary classical music, and film scores, leading to richer emotional expression.

Review Questions

• How does non-functional harmony contribute to the overall atmosphere created in Impressionist music?
  • In Impressionist music, non-functional harmony plays a significant role in shaping the atmosphere by allowing composers to prioritize mood and imagery over traditional chord progressions. This type of harmony often features unusual chords and static harmonic structures that evoke specific feelings or scenes. By focusing on color and texture rather than functional resolution, composers like Debussy create music that transports listeners to different emotional landscapes, enhancing the impressionistic qualities of their works.
• Discuss the ways non-functional harmony is utilized within atonality and serialism, and its significance in those contexts.
  • In the realms of atonality and serialism, non-functional harmony serves as a foundation for exploring new musical languages devoid of traditional tonal frameworks. Composers like Arnold Schoenberg used non-functional harmony to develop systems such as the twelve-tone technique, where all pitches are treated equally without a hierarchy. This approach enables them to create complex textures and rich emotional landscapes while avoiding conventional expectations of resolution. The significance lies in the liberation from traditional harmonic constraints, fostering innovation in contemporary music.
• Evaluate how neoclassical composers adapted non-functional harmony from earlier styles while creating new musical forms.
  • Neoclassical composers took elements from earlier musical styles, such as Baroque and Classical periods, but adapted non-functional harmony to infuse their works with modern sensibilities. By incorporating this type of harmony, they were able to reference historical practices while simultaneously pushing boundaries with innovative harmonic structures. This blend allowed them to create a distinctive sound that paid homage to tradition while also paving the way for new developments in music. The result is a fascinating dialogue between past and present that reflects both reverence for earlier styles and a desire for originality.

Related terms

Modal Interchange: The practice of borrowing chords from parallel modes, allowing for new harmonic possibilities and expanding the palette of tonal colors.

Extended Chords: Chords that include notes beyond the seventh, such as ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths, which can create complex sonorities and enhance the texture of music.

Cluster Chords: Chords that consist of notes that are very close together in pitch, creating a dissonant sound that can evoke strong emotions and unique atmospheres.