EPISODE 121

HARMONIC RHYTHM

HOST- Jeremy Burns, Matthew Scott Phillips

GENRE- Theory

DURATION- 72:30

BUMPER MUSIC  "C'est La Groove" (Area 47 Music)

ANNOUNCER- Mike Cunliffe

LISTEN

DESCRIPTION

Harmonic rhythm addresses the rate in which chord changes occur within a piece of music. On the surface, it seems like a simple concept. On a deeper level there's so much more to discuss. So let's discuss!

EXAMPLES

HARMONIC RHYTHM


-Harmonic rhythm is the rate at which chords change.

-We use the terms slow and fast to define how frequently or infrequently chord changes occur.

SLOW-Chords change every measure or less frequently.

FAST- Chords change every beat or more frequently.

RELATION TO TEMPO


-In general, a faster harmonic rhythm adds motion and activity. A slower harmonic rhythm can result in a more static effect.

-In general, though there is no direct correlation between harmonic rhythm and tempo. However, faster tempos often feature slower harmonic rhythms and slower tempos often produce faster harmonic rhythm.

IRREGULAR HARMONIC RHYTHM


-A regular harmonic rhythm can be pleasing and comforting in its own way.

-Changes in harmonic rhythm can add variety and prevent predictability.

-In many cases, different sections of a piece will contain contrasting harmonic rhythms. But these rhythms can also vary within a section.

-Composers will often accelerate their use of harmonic rhythm as they move toward a cadence.

LEVELS OF HARMONIC RHYTHM


-On the surface level, you have the chords and chord changes. This level is bound to the melodic and rhythmic activity.

-On a deeper level, you have the overall form represented by these chords and a “zooming out” of the overall functions. This level is more represents the phrase and period structure.

-In this exercise, the placement and duration of these harmonies is preserved.

-It may be useful to keep these notes in their proper registers to help identify the melodic structure.

METRIC REDUCTION


-METRIC REDUCTION is the process of simplifying a musical texture down to its basic harmonic and melodic structure.

-This reduction process is useful for both analysis and performance because it provides a better understanding of the music.

-This process is carried out by removing non chord tones and condensing arpeggios into block chords.

HARMONIC ACCENT


-The HARMONIC ACCENT is an accent caused by harmonic progression. This should not be confused with METRIC ACCENT.

-These two types of accent, metric and harmonic, operate independently from one another.

-When they operate together, they are said to be of METRIC HARMONIC CONGRUENCE. When they operate apart, they are said to be of METRIC HARMONIC CONFLICT.

HARMONIC SYNCOPATION


-Harmonic syncopation occurs when a chord begins on a weak beat to continues on to the next strong beat.

-For now this should be avoided, as it weakens metric character of a progression.