Step 2: Leading Notes (Trio Sonatas)
Step 2. Leading Notes In a three-part texture like a Trio Sonata, the leading note will normally rise by a semitone to the tonic, even in an inner part. The …
Step 1: Dissonances (Trio Sonatas)
Step 1. Dissonances When we tackle a grade 8 Trio Sonata question, we should begin with the dissonances because the treatment of dissonance in the Baroque era was strict, which …
Trio Sonatas – Introduction
What is a Trio Sonata? The Trio Sonata genre dates back to the Baroque period – it was a very popular format between about 1600-1750. Despite its name, the Trio …
Harmonic Analysis
Harmonic Analysis with Decoration When we analyse chromatic music, we need to begin by separating the layers of music (bass, melody and any middle parts), to work out a functional …
Harmonic Rhythm
Harmonic Rhythm Harmonic rhythm is the rhythm created by each chord change. The harmony might change with each bar, twice a bar, with each beat, or perhaps every two bars …
Inverted Cadences
Inverted Cadences Standard cadences use root position chords, but sometimes cadences with first inversion chords can be used. These are known as inverted cadences. Inverted cadences are unlikely to appear …
Voice Leading in Minor Keys
Dissonant Melodic Intervals Augmented and diminished melodic intervals are uncommon but do sometimes occur. Dissonances should resolve by step: move from the dissonance to the nearest possible note. In most …
3-Part Voice Leading
3-Part Texture Most of the harmony rules we have learned up to now have been based on 4-part, SATB harmony. Music can, of course, be written for any number of …
False (Cross) Relations
False (Cross) Relations A false (or cross) relation occurs when a note is placed in close time proximity to a chromatically altered version of itself, in another part. For example, …
Figured Decoration
From time-to-time unfamiliar figures can appear in figured bass. Most of the time they occur because of decorative notes which are essential to include. Sometimes the figure will include a …