Unit 8-1: Descending 5th and 3rd 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.
Describe the function of a harmonic sequence and how it relates to the phrase model.
Identify examples of descending 5ths and 3rds sequences from the repertoire and analyze the examples using Roman numerals and functional notation.
Compose a descending 5ths and 3rds sequence and partwrite the progression in 4 voices using common-practice voice leading principles.

Preparation for Class

Read:

Diatonic Descending-Fifth Sequences (Mount, Fundamentals, Function, and Form)
Sequences Based on Thirds (Mount, Fundamentals, Function, and Form)

Watch

What are Sequences?
Seth Monahan (14 mins)

Falling-Fifth Sequences
Seth Monahan (26 mins)

Study Aids

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)

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

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 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. End with an authentic cadence.
Voice Leading: How does the voice leading in a sequence compare to the voice leading used for functional harmony?

Activities

Online Practice Worksheets:
- - Worksheet 1: Composition and analysis with descending 5ths sequences (from Fundamentals, Function, and Form)
  - Worksheet 2a and 2b: Harmonic analysis with peices by Anna Bon and Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre and complete-the-sequence composition exercises (from Diverse Music Theory)
  - Worksheet 3: Complete 4-part settings of examples featuring sequences given the bass, soprano, or outer voices. (San Francisco Conservatory)
  - Worksheet 4: Analysis of short examples from Handel, Bach, and Corelli. (San Francisco Conservatory)
Composition: Compose two different 4-bar chord progressions in different meters and keys. The first should use a descending 5ths sequence; the second should use a descending thirds sequence. Partwrite one progression in chorale style and the other in keyboard style. Label the cadences. Identify Roman numerals and chord function (T, PD, D) below the staff. If there's time, also compose a melody for the chord progression. The melody should include a melodic sequence that reflects the harmonic movement.
Analysis: Analyze examples from the repertoire in the Anthology section below. Identify the sequence, Roman numerals, chord function (T, PD, D), cadences, and non-chord tones by type.

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 8-1

NEXT STEP

Next Lesson: Other Harmonic Sequences

Practice

Musition:
- Concepts: Level 5a, 5b
- Four-Part Writing: Levela 22a, 23a

Want to learn more?

Check out the use of descending 5ths and 3rds sequences in these pop songs.

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

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

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