[ I - IV - V - I ]:  Basic Analysis of Chorale Harmonization (Part Four)
Now that we've had a little quasi-modulation, we have a semi-recapitulation.  In example 214.1, we see a phrase that begins as a recapitulation of the second phrase (mm. 5-7) but continues and concludes as a recapitulation of the end of the first phrase (mm.3-4), compressing four quarters into three.  This entire phrase is a half cadence, as was the first phrase, prolonging the tonic from its first quarter-note upbeat to the final eight note before the final dominant chord.  I like to point out the pattern of alternating tonic and dominant functions (214.1(a)); it's common and it works.  Any student practising the harmonization of melodies should be encouraged to use this technique wherever possible.
Example 214.1
Example 214.2
[I   -   V  -  I  -  V   -   I]
[I         -         -         -         I]
[[I             -             -              -             -             I] -  V]
(a)
(b)
(c)
[I        -        -        -    >  IV   V           I]
[IV       -       IV]
[I   -   -   >  [IV        -       IV] V           I]
(a)
(b)
(c)
Next:  Cadential Structure Analysis, Summary     Back:  Part Three
The last phrase (example 214.2) ends exactly as did the second phrase, a full subdominant-dominant-tonic cadence.  The first five quarters of this phrase, however, set forth new voicings of familiar chords.  One of the delightful characteristics of this harmonization is the recurrence of identical voicings and similar sonorities.  The tonic chord at the end of m. 3 returns no less than eight times in that identical voicing, and three more times with a b-natural replacing the g-natural in the bass.  The dominant chord at the end of the first phrase returns five times.  The constant return of similar or identical voicings is more the rule than the exception in this harmonization.  Consequently, the newly introduced opening voicings of the last phrase stand out.

Another difference in this last phrase is that instead of prolonging the initial structural tonic this phrase uses an elaborated motion from the initial tonic to the structural subdominant.  I prefer the first analysis (214.2(a)) in which the structural subdominant is not reached until the halting motion in the bass reaches the low c-natural.  This interpretation is supported by the change in both melodic direction and rhythm at that point, as well as by the return of familiar chords, voiced to emphasize the idea of recapitulation at the conclusion.  In the alternate interpretation (214.2(b) and (c)), the structural subdominant is reached on the e-natural in the bass and prolonged for three quarters.  I do like this idea, for a number of reasons, among them: (1) it provides a nice counterpoint to the meter; and (2) prolongation of the structural subdominant is often an exciting process in larger works.  But aside from the first-inversion subdominant chord, this interpretation is not well supported in this instance.
 
 
 
MODULES
Cadential Structure
[ I - IV - V - I ]:
Basic Analysis of Chorale Harmonization
(Part Four)

Lester Allyson Knibbs, Ph.D.





[I-IV-V-I]:   BackNext

Prolongation of Function

Elaboration of Motion

In Symphonic Composition

Introduction

The Chaconne

Cadential Structure ---

Unitary & Binary Structures

Linear & Periodic Structures

Modules and Modalities

Structural Counterpoint

Modular Composition

Appendices
Site Map
Home Page
Site Map     /     Home Page