Embedded Files
Objectives
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Identify and define the concept of enharmonic reinterpretation, including the enharmonic equivalents of V7, Ger+6, and viiº7 chords.
Explain the theoretical basis for enharmonic reinterpretation and how it allows for seamless transitions between distant keys, providing examples from the readings.
Analyze musical excerpts that employ enharmonic reinterpretation, identifying the chords involved and how the reinterpretation is achieved.
Compose short harmonic progressions that incorporate enharmonic reinterpretation, demonstrating an understanding of the theoretical concepts and practical applications of the technique.
Preparation for Class
Preparation for Class
Read:
Read:
Enharmonic Reinterpretation of V7 and Ger6 (Multimodal Musicianship)
Enharmonic Reinterpretation of viiº7 (Multimodal Musicianship)
Watch
Watch
Enharmonic Modulation
(Kati Meyer, 11 mins)
Enharmonic Modulation
(Kati Meyer, 11 mins)
Enharmonic Reinterpretation
(Drew Nobile, 7 mins)
Enharmonic Reinterpretation
(Drew Nobile, 7 mins)
Explore
Explore
Chord Player. Experiment with chord progressions that incorporate enharmonic reinterpretation. Try to compose 4-bar phrases that modulate from one key to another using chromatic modulation.
Models are provided below. Try editing these or making your own:
C: | I | ii6 V7 |
B: Ger6 | Cad64 V7 | i | [Link]
C: | I V43 | I6 iv | viiº43
F#: | viiº7 i | V7 i | [Link]
Study Aids
Study Aids
Examples of Enharmonic Modulation
(Source: Stephen Emmons, “Chromatic Harmony 2 and 20th Century Music,” Survey of Music Theory for the College Classroom.
In-Class Activities
In-Class Activities
Activities
Activities
Online Worksheets:
Chord Spelling & Analysis (Multimodal Musicianship)
Exercise 44-1: Chord Spelling and Reinterpretation of V7 & Ger6 (Screen reader version)
Exercise 44-2: Analysis of Schumann, “Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen,” from Dichterliebe, op. 48
Exercise 45-1: Chord Spelling and Reinterpretation of viiº7 (Screen reader version)
Exercise 45-2: Analysis of Beethoven, Piano Sonata, no. 8, op. 13, mvt. 1, “Pathetique,” mm. 132–38
Chord Spelling & Analysis (Music Theory for the 21st Century Classroom)
Chord Spelling & Analysis (Answers included)
Worksheet 1: Chord Spelling, RN Analysis, Analysis of Samuel Coleridge Taylor, “Danse nègre,” from African Suite, op. 35
Worksheet 2: Chord Spelling, RN Analysis, Analysis of Mozart, Symphony No. 40, K. 550
Spell and resolve CTº7 chords, 4-part writing, harmonization and analysis: Music Theory for Today's Musician Workbook, pp. 273–276 (available online through the library)
Note this text refers to CTº7 chords as embellishing diminished seventh chords (embº7)
Composition: Compose a one- or two-phrase chord progression that incorporates an enharmonic reinterpretation of a Ger6 or viiº7 to modulate to a distantly-related key. Then, part-write the progression in 4-voice keyboard or chorale style. Swap with a partner to check voice leading. If there's time, add texture and a melody to your chord progression. (See sample accompanimental patterns in the anthology here.)
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more?
Check out these articles exploring enharmonic reinterpretation in Fiona Apple and Billy Joel:
Reale, Haley Beverburg. “Making the Most of an Enharmonic Seam: Pitch Respellings, Semitone Relationships, and Mode Mixture in Fiona Apple’s “Extraordinary Machine”.” Theory and Practice 39 (2014): 75–108.
Aziz, Andrew. “Billy Joel's Enharmonic Duplicity.” Music Theory Online 28, no. 2 (2022).
Practice
Practice
Musition: [levels]
Auralia: [levels]
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