CHAPTER 7

Harmonic Progression

This chapter begins with an introduction to melodic and harmonic sequences, using this topic as a means to explain the norms of tonal harmonic progressions. We take the root movement of the descending fifth as the starting point from which to develop diagrams of normative root movements in major and minor modes. It is worthwhile emphasizing that the harmonic “functions” of tonal harmony developed slowly and were the result of contrapuntal, acoustical, and historical factors, among others.

You should try to reinforce aurally as much as possible, probably by playing progressions at the piano. You should be able to recognize the harmonic clichés of tonal music, but if you cannot, then you would need to become more sensitized to the progression given in this chapter. It is also important to keep up regular practice with chord spelling and partwriting in this chapter. A useful exercise would be writing chorale phrases, from progression (avoiding ii and vii for now) to melody to four-part setting, which should then be sung by you and your friends (in class).

CHAPTER SUMMARY: