Four-Part Writing

Question 1

Define Harmony

Answer 1

The use of simultaneous pitches; the vertical dimension, chords

Question 2

Define Voice Leading

Answer 2

The way in which individual parts or “voices” interact and progress from one chord to the next; the art of connecting chord to chord in the smoothest manner possible; the horizontal dimension.

Question 3

• What are the two types of four-part writing styles?
• What are the differences between the two types of four-part writing styles?(think stem direction)

Answer 3

• Four-part Chorale (Vocal) Style and Four-part Keyboard Style
• Chorale style: soprano and tenor stems go up; alto and bass stems go down
• Keyboard style: soprano, alto, and tenor stems go up; bass stems go down

Question 4

• To which clef does the soprano voice belong
• Between which two notes is the vocal range for the soprano voice?

Answer 4

• Treble clef
• B (below staff0 and A (above staff)

Question 5

• To which clef does the alto voice belong
• Between which two notes is the vocal range for the alto voice?

Answer 5

• Treble clef
• G (below staff) and E (on fourth space of staff)

Question 6

• To which clef does the tenor voice belong
• Between which two notes is the vocal range for the tenor voice?

Answer 6

• Bass clef
• C (on second space of staff) and G (above staff)

Question 7

• To which clef does the soprano voice belong
• Between which two notes is the vocal range for the soprano voice?

Answer 7

• Bass clef
• D (below staff) and D (above staff)

Question 8

Define Closed Position

Answer 8

When the upper three voices are as close together as possible (having no gaps between chord tones); the space between S and T voices do not exceed an octave

Question 9

Define *Open Position *

Answer 9

When a note in the chord is skipped between the upper three voices; the spaces between S and T voices exceed an octave

Question 10

Define Complete Triad (C)

Answer 10

When all three tones are present in a triad

Question 11

Define Incomplete Triad (INC)

Answer 11

When the fifth of a major or minor triad is omitted; aka Tripled Root + third

Question 12

Define Cadence

Answer 12

A melodic/harmonic/rhythmic formula that serves as the goal of a phrase, section, or entire piece

Question 13

Define Perfect Authentic Cadence (PAC)

Answer 13

Both V-I or V7-I chords are in root position; scale degree 1 in the soprano voice of the concluding I chord.

Question 14

Define Imerfect Authentic Cadence (IAC)

Answer 14

Both V-I or V7-I chords are in root position; scale degrees 3 or 5 are in the soprano voice of the concluding tonic chord

Question 15

Define Half Cadence

Answer 15

Ends on a root position V; any chord to V

Question 16

Harmonic A4ths normally resolve (inward/outward) to harmonic 6ths

Answer 16

Outward

Question 17

Harmonic d5ths normally resolve (inward/outward) to harmonic 3rds

Answer 17

Inward