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The_Complete_Idiot%27s_Guide_To_Music_Theory

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200<br />

Exercises<br />

Part 5: Embellishing<br />

Realize, however, that this is one rule that’s definitely meant to be broken. <strong>The</strong>re<br />

are so many instances of close harmony out there that it’s hard to argue against<br />

the practice. <strong>The</strong> problem is that this type of close harmony is difficult to pull<br />

off; especially for beginners. Wait until you’re more comfortable with your harmony<br />

and counterpoint before you try writing voices this close together.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Least You Need to Know<br />

◆ Harmony is a vertical combination of notes within the underlying chord<br />

structure; counterpoint is an integrated series of horizontal melodies relating<br />

to the underlying chords.<br />

◆ Harmony is facilitated when you vary chord voicings throughout a progression.<br />

◆ Each harmony part must be singable on its own and follow established<br />

voice leading conventions.<br />

◆ Each melody within a counterpoint should be able to function as a standalone<br />

melody, and at the same time complement the other melodies.<br />

◆ Whether you’re creating harmony or counterpoint, you should generally<br />

avoid extended movement in parallel fourths, fifths, or octaves—especially<br />

in classical music. (Popular music typically has fewer—and looser—<br />

conventions.)<br />

Exercise 15-1<br />

Find and correct the voice-leading errors in the following piece of harmony.

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