THMUS 311H — Honors Theory III: Chromatic Harmony and Analysis II

4 credits
Fall
Patricia Burt

Prerequisite: THMUS 211H . This course examines tonal trends of the late-19th and early-20th centuries that led to the breakdown of the traditional tonal system. A central theme is the tension between “traditional” and “progressive” in 19th-century tonal practice, exploring how composers expanded and recast conventional harmonic practice during this period. Topics include the symmetrical division of the octave, chromatic-mediant relationships, altered dominants, diminished-seventh and common-tone augmented-sixth chords, chromatic sequences, expanded tonality, extended tertian harmony, and added-note sonorities. Emphasis is placed on the music of Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Mahler, Ravel, Strauss, and Wolf.