Classical harmony

Definition

Classical harmony refers to the system of musical organization and the rules governing chord progressions used primarily during the Classical period, which spanned roughly from 1750 to 1820. This framework emphasizes consonance, functional relationships between chords, and the use of diatonic scales. It lays the foundation for creating meaningful musical phrases and is essential for understanding chord symbol notation and seventh chords.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Classical harmony relies heavily on triads built from the diatonic scale, with major and minor triads being the most common.
2. Seventh chords, which add an extra note to the triad, create more complex harmonic textures and are essential in classical harmony.
3. The use of inversion in chords allows for smoother voice leading, making transitions between harmonies more fluid.
4. Cadences are critical in classical harmony as they signal the end of musical phrases and provide closure or resolution.
5. Tension and resolution play a vital role in classical harmony, often achieved through dominant-to-tonic progressions that create a sense of movement.

Review Questions

• How does classical harmony utilize chord progressions to create musical tension and resolution?
  • Classical harmony uses chord progressions to build tension through dissonant chords, especially dominant chords, which seek resolution to the tonic. This movement creates a satisfying sense of release when the harmony resolves. The common progression from the dominant chord to the tonic exemplifies this tension and resolution dynamic, central to the emotional impact of classical music.
• Discuss the importance of seventh chords in classical harmony and how they differ from triads.
  • Seventh chords expand upon triads by adding an additional note, creating more complex sounds that enrich harmonic textures. In classical harmony, seventh chords can introduce greater tension and are often used to facilitate smoother voice leading between chords. Their role in modulation and transitions between keys further distinguishes them from basic triads, making them a key component in creating dynamic harmonic movement.
• Evaluate how chord symbol notation reflects the principles of classical harmony and aids in understanding harmonic structure.
  • Chord symbol notation simplifies the representation of complex harmonies in classical music by providing a clear framework for identifying chord types and their functions. By indicating whether a chord is major, minor, diminished, or augmented along with its inversion, musicians can easily interpret and execute harmonic progressions. This notation system embodies the principles of classical harmony by emphasizing functional relationships among chords while facilitating communication about musical structure among composers and performers.

Related terms

Functional Harmony:

A concept where chords are categorized based on their roles and relationships within a key, typically involving tonic, dominant, and subdominant functions.

Diatonic Scale: A seven-note scale that includes five whole steps and two half steps, forming the basis for the chords used in classical harmony.

Chord Progression:

A series of chords played in succession, which creates a harmonic framework for melodies and establishes key centers.