Harmony and Tonality in Different Periods of Music Quiz

Modal harmony is based on medieval church modes (e.g., Dorian, Phrygian) rather than major or minor scales. It was commonly used in Renaissance music.

The basso continuo was a continuous bass line played by instruments such as the harpsichord and cello. It provided harmonic support, with the keyboard player improvising chords above the given bass notes.
 

Functional tonality is the system of major and minor keys with chords that create a sense of tension and resolution. It was fully developed in the Classical period.

Increased use of chromaticism and extended chords (e.g., diminished and augmented chords) to create emotional intensity.

Frequent modulations and unexpected harmonic shifts to enhance drama and expression.

Atonality is the absence of a tonal centre or key. Arnold Schoenberg is famous for developing atonality and the twelve-tone technique.

Classical composers used cadences (e.g., perfect, imperfect, plagal, and interrupted) to clearly define phrases and sections, reinforcing harmonic clarity and balance.

Consonant harmony consists of chords that sound stable and pleasant (e.g., major and minor triads).

Dissonant harmony contains notes that create tension and require resolution (e.g., diminished and augmented chords).

A whole-tone scale consists of only whole steps, creating a dreamlike or ambiguous sound. Claude Debussy used it frequently in his compositions.

Polytonality is the use of two or more keys simultaneously. It was used in 20th-century music by composers such as Stravinsky to create complex and dissonant harmonies.

Jazz introduced extended chords (e.g., 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords), blue notes, and complex chord progressions, influencing composers like Gershwin and Ravel.