Chapter 26 - Harmonic Rhythm

Question 1

True or False: When a chord changes, does the ear notice that there is something new?

Answer 1

This is true.

Question 2

True or False: When there is a chord change, it subconsciously creates an accent.

Answer 2

This is true.

Question 3

How do chord changes relate to meter?

Answer 3

The changes in chords help define the meter by typically changing on the meter’s pre-determined accent pattern, or strong beats.

Question 4

What is harmonic rhythm? What is the primary factor that harmonic rhythm is defined by?

Answer 4

Harmonic rhythm is the rate of change of the chord progression or harmony of a piece. This is typically defined by a change in the root of the chord.

Question 5

How do you measure harmonic rhythm?

Answer 5

Harmonic rhythm is measured in terms of how many beats a chord lasts.

Question 6

What is a rule, or recommendation, of harmonic rhythm that relates to how chord changes should be paced throughout a piece?

Answer 6

Once a harmonic rhythm is established, it usually continues at that basic rate or some logical ratio of it.

Question 7

What is a rule of harmonic rhythm that relates to the end of a phrase? What about a rule of harmonic rhythm that relates to the cadence of a phrase?

Answer 7

Harmonic rhythm often increase as the phrase ends.

Question 8

What is a rule of harmonic rhythm that relates to meter and their strong beats?

Answer 8

When the harmony changes, it is usually on a strong beat.

Question 9

Can the harmony of a chord begin on a weaker beat and carry over to a strong beat?

Answer 9

A harmonic change does not begin on a weaker beat and carry over to a stronger one. For example, beginning a chord on beat 4 and continuing it on beat 1 contradicts the meter.