Unit 8-3: Harmonic Sequences

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Define what a harmonic sequence is and how it varies from a melodic sequence.
Write the chord progression for a descending 3rds and descending 5ths sequence using both Roman numerals and chord symbols.
Identify examples of descending 5ths and 3rds sequences in examples from the repertoire and analyze the examples using Roman numerals.
Compose a descending 5ths and 3rds sequence and write the progression in 3- or 4- voices.

Preparation for Class

Read:

Harmonic Sequences (Trevor de Clercq, The Practice of Popular Music, pp. 435–441) - Available online through the library
Diatonic Descending-Fifth Sequences (Mount, Fundamentals, Function, and Form)
Sequences Based on Thirds (Mount, Fundamentals, Function, and Form)

Watch

Songs that Use the Circle of 5ths Progression
(David Bennett, 15 mins)

Songs that use the Pachelbel Progression
(David Bennett, 12 mins)

What are Sequences?
Seth Monahan (14 mins)

Falling-Fifth Sequences
Seth Monahan (26 mins)

ReferenceAids

Reference Handout

This handout compiles handouts by Daniel Jenkins (pp. 1–4) and Nancy Rogers (pp. 5–9) with descriptions and examples of various types of ascending and descending sequences.
Quick Summary of Diatonic Sequences (Sarah Louden)

Chord Progressions: Desc. 5ths and 3rds
Source: Sarah Louden (Sequence Handout)

Three examples of descending fifth sequences (by seconds) are shown in standard musical notation in the bass clef. Roman numeral analysis is provided below each example. Arrows and the label "↓2nd" indicate the descending second relationship between the phrases. The first example shows a I - IV - vii° - iii - vi - ii - V - I progression. The second example shows a I - IV6 - vii° - iii6 - vi - ii6 - V - I progression. The third example is a I6 - IV - vii°6 - iii - vi6 - ii - V6 - I progression.

Two examples of descending 3rd sequences ("Pachelbel Sequence") are shown in standard musical notation in the bass clef. Roman numeral analysis is provided below each example. Arrows and the label "↓3rd" indicate the descending third relationship between the phrases. The first example shows a I - V - vi - iii - IV - I - ii6 - V - I progression. The second example shows a I - V6 - vi - iii6 - IV - I6 - ii6 - V - I progression.

Voice Leading for a Descending 5ths Sequences
Source: Timothy Rolls (Theory II: Sequences)

A descending fifths sequence is shown in standard musical notation. The sequence is in C major and spans two octaves, with the melody in the treble clef and the bass line in the bass clef. Roman numeral analysis is provided below the bass clef. The sequence is as follows: I - IV - vii° - III - vi - ii - V.

A descending fifths sequence with alternating first inversion chords is shown in standard musical notation. The sequence is in C major and spans two octaves, with the melody primarily in the treble clef and the bass line in the bass clef. Roman numeral analysis is provided below the bass clef, along with figured bass notation. The sequence is as follows: I - IV6 - vii° - III6 - vi - ii6 - V.

In-Class Activities

Discussion

Definitions: What is a harmonic sequence? How does it vary from a melodic sequence? How do the chords in a sequence function in the context of the phrase model? What cues can you use to recognize a descending 5ths and 3rds sequence in the repertoire?
Patterns: What is the pattern of chords used in a descending 5ths and 3rds sequence? Pick a few keys and try writing a chord progression for a descending 5ths and 3rds sequence starting from the Roman numeral specified by your instructor.
Voice Leading: How does the voice leading in a sequence compare to the voice leading used in other progressions?

Activities

Composition: For each of the progressions outlined below, compose a chord progression using both Roman numerals and lead sheet notation. Each example should be in a different key. Indicate harmonic rhythm (e.g. | I IV | V | I IV | V | ). Then, select one or two of your progressions to compose a chordal accompaniment and melody. Compose the harmony in a 3- or 4-part texture, applying voice leading guidelines from Unit 2. Add a rhythmic accompaniment; use one of the accompanimental patterns here (PDF | MuseScore) or create your own. Then, compose a simple melody for your progression. The melody should sequence with the chords.
- - Descending 3rds sequence
  - Descending 5ths sequence
Analysis: Analyze examples from the repertoire in the Anthology section below. Identify the Roman numerals and the sequence by type.
Harmonization: Have a classmate or your instructor select a melody from the anthology, but remove (or cover up) the chords. Harmonize the melody, incorporating either a descending 5ths or 3rds sequence. Write out a basic 3- or 4-way rhythmic accompaniment, then listen to your harmonization. Compare your harmonization to the original in the anthology.

Repertoire for Practice

Descending 3rd and 5th Sequences: Examples for analysis that use either a diatonic descending 5ths or descending 3rds sequence. See the section "Descending 3rds and Descending 5ths."

Anthology: Descending 3rd and 5th Sequences

Assignment

Assignment 8-3

Practice

Musition:
- Concepts: Level 5a, 5b
- Four-Part Writing: Level 23a

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