Episode 43 discusses the two types of sequences: melodic and harmonic.
Episode 43 discusses the two types of sequences: melodic and harmonic. Listen to examples by Bach (2:57), Tchaikovsky (4:19), and Holst (5:44).
Question of the day: If the first motif of Bach’s Little Fugue starts with G, D, Bb, and the second voice enters with a sequence starting a perfect fourth below, what are the first three notes of the second sequence? (6:59)
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Hi and welcome to the APsolute Recap: Music Theory Edition. Today’s episode will recap Sequences
Lets Zoom out:
We’re in Unit 6 Harmony and Voice Leading III
Topics 6.6 and 6.7
Our Big idea is pitch
There are two types of sequences: Melodic and harmonic. These segments are sometimes referred to as motifs. The devices are used by composers to elaborate on a musical idea, thus extending the piece without a completely new idea. It is sort of a work smarter not harder situation.
Lets Zoom in:
In both melodic and harmonic sequences, there is a segment of music that reappears transposed. Most of the time, the intervals used in the transposition will be the same as the original. For example, if the melody starts off with a skip of a fifth, then the transposed melody will still have a skip of a fifth, but starting on a different pitch. Oftentimes a melodic sequence and harmonic sequence go hand in hand. In a harmonic sequence, the segment of a chord progression would be transposed in the same fashion. In melodic sequences, sometimes the same harmonies can be used for a different transposition, so there can be instances where there is one type of sequence and not the other.
One common mistake is to mix up sequences with direct copies of music. This happens in a canon or round, like Row, Row Row Your Boat. Here the same melody, with the same transposition will be repeated in each of the voices. My first example of a sequence is in a fugue, which can sound similar to how a canon works.
In Bach’s “Little Fugue” in G minor he uses sequences to build up the four voices. To the untrained ear, it may seem like the same melody is repeating in each voice, but they enter at different pitches and play the same melody transposed. Listen as each of the four sequences enter, starting with one. (0:04-0:20) Here is the second voice (0:20-0:39) Here is the third voice. (0:39-0:55) Here is the last voice (0:54-1:01) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddbxFi3-UO4
In Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet, he uses sequences to show the tree is getting bigger. (1:00-2:21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mym9MNo1E6I)
In the beginning of Mercury by Gustav Holst, he uses sequences to show the flight of Hermes. (0:06-0:35) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkiiAloL6aE
Sequencing is so popular for successful composers to use because audiences like to hear familiar things. We feel happier when our brains can latch onto the sequence and predict how the music will sound. This makes it easier for us to audiate, sing or play along. Basically, it boosts our ego to listen to music that has sequences because we’re secretly proud of our ability to effortlessly join in.
To recap……
Melodic and harmonic sequences are segments of music that repeats transposed in a new way. Most of the time, the intervals used in the transposition will be the same as the original.
Coming up next on the Apsolute RecAP Music Theory Edition: Part Writing
Today’s Question of the day is about transposition.
Question: If the first motif of Bach’s Little Fugue starts with G, D, Bb, and the second voice enters with a sequence starting a perfect fourth below, what are the first three notes of the second sequence?