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Introduction

Basics

Melodic Motion Chord Building Rhythm and Meter

Introduction to Cadences

Simple Prolongation

First Analysis

Decorations

More Prolongations

Analysis

Sequences I

Cadence Variations

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Basics

This chapter lays down some fundamental principles of melodic motion and chord construction, which must be understood before we begin looking at chord progressions.

The way in which melodic dissonance is created and the way it tends to resolve is explored, examining the various, sometimes conflicting, forces at work. This is followed by a discussion of the building of pleasing well-balanced chords.

Some of the principles presented here may exist purely due to cultural conditioning. Perhaps we expect certain types of melodic resolution and certain types of chord construction simply because we are used to hearing music played that way. In many cases, however, there appear to be other reasons - some based on the physics of sound and some on the physiology and psychology of human hearing - for many of the practices common in Western music. The text explores some of these ideas, although it does not attempt to provide absolute proof of anything.