All Flashcards
What interval should be avoided between outer voices?
Augmented and diminished intervals, especially tritones.
What is the primary function of the leading tone?
To resolve upward by step, especially in an outer voice.
What should you avoid between voices, especially in minor keys with raised sevenths?
Cross-relations: chromatic alterations between voices.
What is the best practice for melodic motion?
Voices should move mostly by step, avoiding large leaps.
What should you do with common tones between chords?
Keep common tones in the same voice when moving between chords.
What is the correct order of voices in four-part writing?
Maintain Soprano-Alto-Tenor-Bass (SATB) order to avoid voice crossing.
What intervals should be avoided in parallel motion?
Avoid parallel fifths and octaves.
What is the best practice for doubling notes in triads?
Double the root whenever voice leading allows.
What note should always be doubled in 6/4 chords?
Always double the bass in 6/4 chords.
How should chordal sevenths be approached?
By step or common tone.
How should chordal sevenths typically resolve?
Downward by step.
What is voice leading?
How individual voices move from chord to chord, creating smooth transitions.
Define parallel motion.
Voices move in the same direction by the same interval.
Define similar motion.
Voices move in the same direction but by different intervals.
Define oblique motion.
One voice stays put while the other moves.
Define contrary motion.
Voices move in opposite directions.
What is SATB?
Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass - the four main vocal parts in choral music.
Define harmonic progression.
Predictable sequences of diatonic chords that create structure and emotional impact.
What is a cadence?
A musical punctuation mark that provides different levels of resolution.
Define Half Cadence (HC).
Ends on a V chord; feels unresolved.
Define Deceptive Cadence (DC).
V chord moves to a non-tonic chord (often vi/VI); creates a surprise.
Define Plagal Cadence (PC).
Moves from IV/iv to I; a strong resolution, often called the 'amen' cadence.
Define Authentic Cadence (AC).
V (or vii) resolves to I.
Define Perfect Authentic Cadence (PAC).
Both V and I are in root position, and the soprano ends on scale degree 1; the strongest resolution.
Define Imperfect Authentic Cadence (IAC).
Either V or I is inverted, or the soprano ends on a non-tonic pitch.
What is the function of the tonic?
The tonic is the home key—stable and resolving.
What is the function of the dominant?
Chords with a dominant function create tension and lead back to the tonic. The V and vii chords have dominant function.
What scale degree wants to resolve to scale degree 1?
Scale degree 5
What chord progression is a Half Cadence (HC)?
Any progression that ends on V.
What chord progression is a Deceptive Cadence (DC)?
V to a non-tonic chord (often vi/VI or IV/iv).
What chord progression is a Plagal Cadence (PC)?
IV/iv to I.
What chord progression is an Authentic Cadence (AC)?
V (or vii) resolves to I.
What are the characteristics of a Perfect Authentic Cadence (PAC)?
Both V and I are in root position, and the soprano ends on scale degree 1.
What are the characteristics of an Imperfect Authentic Cadence (IAC)?
Either V or I is inverted, or the soprano ends on a non-tonic pitch.
What are the two main functions of leading-tone seventh chords?
Substitute for V or V7 as part of the dominant, or placed between tonic chords to prolong the tonic with stepwise voice leading.