How to Harmonize a Melody in a Minor Key - Music Theory
TLDRThe transcript covers harmonizing a short minor key melody composed of an irregular three bar phrase. It discusses determining the key using clues like accidentals and the final note. It then goes through the process of identifying the cadence, approach chord, and other harmonizing chords. Guidance is provided on chord choices, inversions, bass line, contrary motion, and part writing to create a complete four-part harmony. The goal is to help those who may struggle with harmonization in minor keys by walking through the process step-by-step.
Takeaways
- 😀 The circle of fifths is key for understanding major and minor keys, their key signatures, and relationships between keys.
- 😊 In minor keys, only chords i and iv are minor. The other chords take on different qualities like major or diminished.
- 🤔 Avoid using chord iii in minor keys as it has an augmented quality that sounds dramatic.
- 🧐 Use diminished chords like ii and vii in first inversion to improve their sound in minor keys.
- 😮 Contrary motion between upper and lower voices helps avoid consecutive fifths/octaves.
- 👍 Begin harmonizing by identifying the cadence first, often V-I in minor keys.
- 🤓 Determine the approach chord before the cadence for smoother voice leading.
- 🎵 Include seventh notes in V chords when possible to enrich the harmony.
- 😃 Double the root in final tonic chords for a stronger finish.
- 😎 Decorate lines with non-chord tones like passing notes to add interest.
Q & A
What is the main topic of this video?
-The main topic is how to harmonize a short melody in a minor key using four-part harmony.
What is the circle of fifths and why is it important when harmonizing a melody?
-The circle of fifths shows all the major and minor keys and their key signatures. It helps determine what key a melody is in based on the key signature, which is important for figuring out what chords to use when harmonizing.
Why is chord III in a minor key generally avoided when harmonizing?
-Chord III in a minor key is an augmented chord, which has a dramatic, tense sound. It's generally avoided when harmonizing to not create too much dissonance.
What is special about chord II and chord VII in a minor key?
-Chord II and VII in a minor key are diminished chords. They can sound ugly in root position but better in first inversion.
What is the advantage of using Ic to V versus IV to V when harmonizing a cadence?
-Ic to V allows for smooth bass motion since the bottom note stays the same. It also provides an opportunity to use a second inversion chord.
What is important to consider when filling in inner voices in four-part harmony?
-Consider smooth voice leading and contrary motion between parts. Also, make sure to avoid parallels and spacing chords appropriately.
How can you decorate or enrich a chord V when harmonizing?
-Adding a 7th by having a part move from the 5th to the 6th of the scale creates a V7. This adds interest when resolving to the tonic chord.
What are some cadence options mentioned in harmonizing this melody?
-Perfect (V-I), plagal (IV-I), imperfect (I-V), interrupted (V-VI) cadences are mentioned as options.
Why is figuring out the cadence first helpful when harmonizing a melody?
-The cadence comes at the end of a phrase. Knowing the final two chords first provides a framework to then determine the preceding chords.
What is meant by the approach chord when harmonizing?
-The approach chord is the chord immediately before the cadence. There are common patterns like II-V-I that lead into a final cadence.
Outlines
😀 Knowing We're in a Minor Key and Starting with the Cadence
The key signature has 3 sharps, indicating F sharp minor or A major. The E sharp indicates we're in F sharp minor, since it's the raised 7th degree of the F sharp minor scale. We'll start harmonizing by identifying the last 2 chords as the cadence. Chord I fits the final chord, so it's likely a perfect V-I cadence.
😄 Chord Qualities in a Minor Key and Putting Diminished Chords in Inversion
In a minor key, only chord I and chord IV are minor. Chord V is major, chord VI is major, chord III is augmented to be avoided, and chords II and VII are diminished. Diminished chords sound better in first inversion than root position.
😊 Identifying the Penultimate Chord and Getting a Chord Progression
For the chord before the cadence, chord IV or a Ic-V-I progression with chord I in second inversion could work well. We have a progression of I - IIb - Ic - V - I using inversions for variety.
😁 Filling in the Other Voices
We add in the other voices to complete the 4-part harmony, being careful about voice crossing. We end up with a nice result, and can add some embellishments like making the V into V7.
😎 Reviewing and Decorating the Final Result
We review the full harmonization, check for errors like consecutives, and add some decoration. The final result sounds quite nice.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡melody
💡harmony
💡chord
💡minor key
💡cadence
💡circle of fifths
💡harmonic minor
💡diminished chord
💡inversions
💡contrary motion
Highlights
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Transcripts
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