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Rimsky-Korsakov, Practical Manual of Harmony in English

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov · section 12 of 96

Harmonic and Melodic Connection of Triads

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§ 11. 1) Chords on different degrees can be connected a) harmonically, when the note common to both chords stays where it is; or b) melodically, when all the parts move.

2) In both harmonic and melodic connection, the three upper parts must move by no more than a third, so as to obey the rule that only the root is doubled.

3) Chords related by a fourth or fifth can be connected harmonically or melodically without close spacing becoming open or open becoming close.

Harmonic connection: I–IV and I–V in C major, the common note tied; figures mark the size of each step
Fig. 57 · See it in the reader
Melodic connection: I–IV and I–V in C major, all parts moving
Fig. 58 · See it in the reader

4) The moving upper parts must proceed in similar motion; where they rise in a harmonic connection, they fall in the melodic one, and the reverse.

5) Chords related by a second are always connected melodically, since they have no note in common.

6) The three upper parts move in parallel and in contrary motion to the bass; the spacing stays the same, close or open.

Melodic connection of chords a second apart: IV–V and V–IV in C major
Fig. 59 · See it in the reader

7) Chords related by a third are connected harmonically or melodically.

8) Connected harmonically, they keep their close or open spacing; connected melodically, close spacing becomes open and open becomes close.

Harmonic connection of chords a third apart: VI–IV and IV–VI in C major, the two common notes tied
Fig. 60 · See it in the reader
Melodic connection of chords a third apart: VI–IV and IV–VI in C major
Fig. 61 · See it in the reader