Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov · section 23 of 96

Passing Six-Four Chords

§ 23. — 1) Between a triad and a sixth chord, or between a sixth chord and a triad of the same degree, a passing six-four chord may be placed.

2) The connection is harmonic; the bass moves by step; one of the three upper parts stays in place, forming a common note, another moves in contrary motion to the bass, and the third moves by step, first down and then up.

3) The passing six-four chord is preferably placed on the weak beat of the bar.