【樂理課堂】和聲：RMlg.hm8 - Connecting Chord Progressions

RMlg.hm8 - Learning Music With Ray- Connecting Chord ProgressionsWhile traveling from one chord to the next of a large scale progression, it is possible to use small scale chromatic progression as a mode of transport. These connecting chord progression provide interest and variety to an otherwise predictable chord progression. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, but music is not always about efficiency. Sometimes the scenic route through a chord progression is more beautiful and expressive. Referring back to the illustration of typical large scale harmonic motion that I provided in the chord progressions lesson is helpful when studying this concept of connecting progressions. The ultimate destination in this illustration is the final tonic chord. However, any chord along the way can be thought of as a temporary target point. When using this thought process, the composer or performer can think of the target chord as a temporary key center. Although the large scale key signature has not changed, it is temporarily displaced by a progression that is leading to the target chord.The strongest relationship in any chord progression is dominant to tonic movement. The thought process discussed in the previous paragraph suggests that we are not limited to the dominant and tonic of our main key when experiencing this type of motion. Any target chord that is major or minor in quality can be approached by its dominant chord. Although this V of the target may be chromatic to the main key, the strength of the V to I progression causes our ears to allow (even enjoy) a chromatic diversion. The chromatic V to I progression used to approach target chords can be elaborated on in several ways. The tritone substitution can be used interchangeably with the dominant of the target. Also, additional chords can be added before the dominant to form a more elaborate progression. The two-five-one progression is a common example of this. ..........