Writing BAD Four-Part Harmony?! - Music Composition

The video explores the concept of four-part harmony, focusing on common mistakes and how to improve them. It discusses the importance of following traditional harmony conventions, such as avoiding consecutive octaves and doubling major thirds. The video also covers the use of secondary dominants and how to integrate them smoothly into a piece. By analyzing specific examples, the video demonstrates how to achieve a more balanced and pleasing harmonic result.

What is the main reason for following traditional harmony conventions?

• To ensure all compositions sound the same

• To achieve a better musical result

• To make compositions more complex

• To avoid using modern techniques

What is a common issue found in the first bar of a four-part harmony?

• Consecutive octaves

• Excessive dynamics

• Too many instruments

• Lack of melody

Why is it generally advised not to double major thirds in four-part harmony?

• It can create an unbalanced sound

• It is too difficult to play

• It makes the harmony too loud

• It is a modern technique

What is a key consideration when spacing parts in four-part harmony?

• Keeping all parts within an octave of each other

• Ensuring the bass is always the loudest

• Using only root position chords

• Avoiding any inversions

What is a secondary dominant?

• A dominant chord in a different key that resolves back to the original key

• A temporary modulation to a new key

• A chord that does not resolve

• A chord that resolves to the tonic

Why is it important for the 'one' chord in a secondary dominant to belong to the prevailing key?

• To add more instruments

• To make the music louder

• To ensure a smooth transition

• To change the tempo

What is a common issue with consecutive fifths in harmony?

• They are not allowed in modern music

• They can make the harmony sound empty

• They are too difficult to play

• They create a dissonant sound

What is a suspension in harmony?

• A change in key

• A pause in the music

• A sudden change in tempo

• A note that is held over to the next chord

What is the purpose of resolving a suspension?

• To create tension

• To achieve a consonant sound

• To increase the tempo

• To return to the original key

What is the benefit of understanding and applying the conventions of harmony writing?

• To limit creative expression

• To make music more predictable

• To enhance the overall musical quality

• To simplify the composition process