Musical Elements: Harmony

Overview of Harmony in the Western Classical Tradition 1650-1910

Harmony is the composite product of the simultaneous tones played in a piece of music. It can create tension, resolution, and can evoke various emotional responses.
Over time, the treatment of harmony in western classical music has evolved significantly. In the given period (1650-1910), crucial developments occurred, leading to complex harmonic language.

Characteristics of Harmony in the Baroque Period (1600-1750)

The Baroque period was marked by the prevalent use of functional harmony where chords followed a progression establishing tonality.
The basso continuo system was common, consisting of a melody line and a separate bass line, with harmonies often improvised in performances.
There was an enormous reliance on the circle of fifths as a fundamental element in constructing chord sequences.

Characteristics of Harmony in the Classical Period (1750-1820)

The Classical era further established the rules of tonal harmony, with music almost invariably written in major or minor keys.
Composers employed standard chord progressions like the I-IV-V-I progression and developed larger scale structures.
The use of chromaticism became more common, intensifying expressivity and creating dramatic tension in composition.

Characteristics of Harmony in the Romantic Period (1820-1910)

Romantic composers expanded harmonic language, exploring new tonalities and unusual chord relationships, leading to increased chromaticism and fluid modulations.
The use of altered chords, such as the diminished and half-diminished seventh chords, was common to add colour and tension.
Harmony played a profound role in painting the programmatic nature of many compositions, depicting a story, scene, or idea.

Significance of Harmony in the Western Classical Tradition

Harmony is a vital aspect of music that creates depth, enhances melody and contributes significantly to the overall musical narrative.
Developments in harmony have helped push musical boundaries, leading to different periods like the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.
Understanding harmony is essential in the analysis of works from the Western Classical period, as it provides insight into the composer’s intentions and overall architecture of the piece.

Harmonic Devices and Techniques during 1650-1910

The use of chords in inversion provided a smooth harmonic progression and helped create movement in a musical piece.
The dominant seventh chord added tonal colour and created tension before resolution.
Secondary dominants were used to tonicise a chord other than the tonic, expanding the harmonic palette.
Augmented sixth chords were used to intensify harmonic tension leading to the dominant chord.

Points to Remember

Recall the nature and role of harmony in the Western Classical Tradition, including its significant developments during the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. Understand the impact of changing harmonic language on the progression of Western Classical music, including the increasing use of chromaticism and altered chords. Familiarise yourself with key harmonic devices and techniques used during this period, including chords in inversion, dominant seventh chords, secondary dominants, and augmented sixth chords.