All Flashcards
Why should voices move mostly by step?
To achieve linear smoothness and avoid excessive leaps.
What should you do with common tones between chords?
Keep them in the same voice when possible.
What is SATB order?
Maintaining Soprano-Alto-Tenor-Bass order to avoid voice crossing.
Why should you avoid parallel fifths and octaves?
They weaken the independence of voices and create a hollow sound.
What is the typical resolution of a leading tone?
It should resolve up by step to the tonic.
Why should you avoid doubling the leading tone?
It can lead to incorrect resolution and parallel octaves.
What types of melodic intervals should be used?
Major and minor 2nds/3rds, perfect 4ths/5ths. Avoid augmented/diminished intervals and leaps larger than a perfect 5th.
What is the role of the bass line in voice leading?
To provide harmonic support and melodic interest.
What kind of motion is preferred in good voice leading?
Contrary and oblique motion are generally preferred over parallel and similar motion.
What is the primary function of outer voices (soprano and bass)?
To provide the harmonic framework of a composition.
What does SATB stand for in music?
Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass - the standard four voice parts.
In SATB notation, which voice is typically written with stems up in the treble clef?
Soprano.
In SATB notation, which voice is typically written with stems down in the treble clef?
Alto.
In SATB notation, which voice is typically written with stems up in the bass clef?
Tenor.
In SATB notation, which voice is typically written with stems down in the bass clef?
Bass.
What is voice leading?
How individual voices move from one chord to the next, creating smooth transitions.
Define Common Practice Period (CPP).
Roughly 1650-1900, including the Baroque and Romantic periods.
What is a cadence?
A musical phrase ending, often marked by a fermata.
Define parallel motion.
Voices move in the same direction by the same interval.
What is similar motion?
Voices move in the same direction, but not by the same interval.
Define oblique motion.
One voice stays still while the other moves.
What is contrary motion?
Voices move in opposite directions.
Define closed position.
Upper voices (soprano, alto, tenor) are as close as possible.
Define open position.
Chord spacing where the upper voices (soprano, alto, tenor) are NOT as close as possible.
What is a cross-relation?
A note followed by its chromaticized version in another voice.