Composition project, phase 1

(Phase 2 is the complete composition, due Friday. See separate blog post)

Harmonic Vocabulary

·      Tonic triad -- root position and first inversion (I and I⁶ in major; i and i⁶ in minor)

·      Dominant triad -- root position and first inversion

·      Dominant seventh chord -- root position and all inversions (see parts 3, 4, and 5 of the video series if you want to use inversions of V⁷)

·      Subdominant triad -- root position and first inversion (IV and IV⁶ in major; iv and iv⁶ in minor)

·      Supertonic triad -- root position (ii/major key only) and first inversion (ii⁶ in major, iiº⁶ in minor)

·      Six-four chords -- Cadential, Neighboring, Passing (and Arpeggiating)

Assignment for Wednesday:

Write a pair of phrases (each one 8 measures long) using the harmonic vocabulary listed above. (It doesn't have to use every one of the chords, but should use at least some of the newer chords.) The phrases should go together.

Use the chords in a manner appropriate for common-practice music.

Choose one of the following keys:

• D major
• Eb major
• E major
• F major
• G major
• Ab major
• A major
• Bb major
• B major
• C minor
• D minor
• E minor
• F minor
• F# minor
• G minor
• Bb minor
• B minor

Choose duple, triple, or quadruple meter

Harmonic rhythm should be one chord per measure (mostly), may speed up toward the cadence.

Write a bass line and Roman numerals, and sketch out a melodic framework (one or two main notes per chord)

Ultimately you will turn these phrases into a short composition for one or more class members. The pieces will be performed on the last day of class. We will have a composition workshop on Wednesday, where we critique the chord progressions.

Due at 1PM on Wednesday. You may EMAIL it to me, or for a bonus point, upload it to the blog. Title your post "Composition draft" and your name.