More Prolongations : Combinations
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Home
Introduction
Basics
Introduction to Cadences
Simple Prolongation
First Analysis
Decorations
More Prolongations
More Neighbours
Combinations
Conclusion
Analysis
Sequences I
Cadence Variations

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Combinations of Motion

The two chapters "Simple Prolongation" and "More Prolongations" have presented numerous examples of neighbouring and passing motions used together to produce chords. A great many combinations have been shown, and the reader may well be wondering if all combinations are possible, or if some are better than others. Many combinations are possible, but it is clear that composers preferred some, and strictly avoided others.

We have already seen that motion in parallel thirds is commonly used and works well. We have seen all possible combinations of neighbours in thirds, as well as the passing 123+345 motion in which the top and bottom lines are moving in thirds.

The inversion of the third - the sixth - works just as well.

Motions which use the strong resolving notes of the dominant seventh chord work very well and are very common. These motions, you will recall, are - combined with -.



© 2005 Andrew Hodgson