TWO-PART WRITING

Two-Part Harmony Worksheet

1. Introduction to Two-Part Harmony

Two-part harmony involves writing music for two independent voices, typically a melody and a harmony part. This type of writing is common in vocal and instrumental music, providing a fuller sound and enhancing the musical texture.

2. Basic Principles of Two-Part Harmony

When writing two-part harmony, consider the following principles:

• Voice Leading: Ensure smooth, stepwise motion between notes in each part.

• Counterpoint: Create independence between the two voices by using different rhythms and intervals.

• Intervals: Use consonant intervals (thirds, sixths, perfect fifths, and octaves) between the parts to create a pleasing sound. Where possible, HARMONISE CHORD-TONES WITH OTHER CHORD TONES!

3. Steps to Write Two-Part Harmony

1. Write the Melody: Start with a single-line melody that will be the main focus of the piece.

2. Analyze the Melody: Determine the key, identify the harmonic structure (chords), and note important chords at each point in the melody.

3. Add the Harmony Part: Write a second line that complements the melody, adhering to the harmonic structure. Follow these guidelines:

   • Start and End on Consonant Intervals: Begin and end phrases with consonant intervals, typically a unison, octave, or perfect fifth.

   • Maintain Independence: Avoid parallel fifths and octaves to maintain the independence of each part.

   • Use Contrary and Oblique Motion: Ensure the parts move in opposite directions (contrary motion) or one part stays the same while the other moves (oblique motion) to create interest and avoid parallel motion.

4. Example

Consider a simple melody in C major:

Melody (Soprano): C - E - G - F - E - D - C

Step-by-Step Harmony Addition:

1. Analyze the Melody:

   • C (I) - E (I or vi) - G (I or V) - F (IV) - E (I or vi) - D (ii or V) - C (I)

2. Add the Harmony (Alto):

   • Soprano (Melody): C - E - G - F - E - D - C

   • Alto (Harmony): E - G - B - A - C - B - G

This harmony part maintains consonant intervals (mainly thirds and sixths) with the melody and avoids parallel fifths and octaves.

5. Practice Exercise

Write a harmony part for the following melody in G major:

Melody (Soprano): G - A - B - C - B - A - G

Answer Key (Example Harmony):

• Soprano (Melody): G - A - B - C - B - A - G

• Alto (Harmony): B - C - D - E - G - F# - D

6. Conclusion

Writing two-part harmony requires careful attention to voice leading, intervals, and independence between the voices. By practicing these principles, you can create harmonically rich and pleasing music. Experiment with different melodies and harmony parts to enhance your understanding and skill in two-part writing.