Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov · section 45 of 96

B) harmonic sequences of seconds and thirds

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§ 44.—1) The model arising from the connection of the fourth degree with the fifth, repeated symmetrically a second lower on various degrees, results in harmonic sequences of a second and a third downward.

In the minor mode all the chords of the fifth degree are based on the natural mode, except the last, which belongs to the harmonic mode.

A) In the major mode: the sequence IV–V, III–IV, II–III, I–II, VII–I, VI–VII, V–VI, IV–V in C major — Fig. 152 · See it in the reader

B) In the minor mode: the same sequence in A minor, every fifth-degree chord natural except the last (harmonic, with G♯) — Fig. 153 · See it in the reader

In harmonic sequences of seconds and thirds, the melodic connection of chords a second apart is followed by the harmonic connection of chords a third apart. This succession of chords a second and a third apart is as practicable as that of chords a fourth and a fifth apart.