(AM) A More Advanced Analysis Lesson

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A More Advance Analysis

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In this analysis, we will look at the first few measures of Auld Lang Syne, a traditional Scottish ballad.

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First, we must determine the key. Since the key signature contains one flat, two possibilities exist: F major or D minor.

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The first chord contains F--A--C, an F major triad. Since this is I in F Major, we are most likely in that key.

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The next measure contains all F's, A's, and C's. Thus, all four chords are I. Since we would be repeating an analysis symbol, there is no need to write it again. However, you may choose to write a I under each chord or a dash symbol (-) to show a repeated chord.

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The first chord of the next measure contains C--E--G, a C major triad. Thus, it is a V chord in the key of F major.

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The second chord contains a C--D--F. This doesn't fit nicely into a triad -- let's skip it for now.

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The third chord is a duplicate of the first.

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The fourth chord contains a C--Bb--E--A. This chord also doesn't fit into a triad. Let's skip it as well.

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The next measure contains F--A--C. Again, all four chords are I chords.

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The final measure contains a Bb--F--D. Spelled in 3rds (BbDF), a Bb major triad. Thus, it is a IV chord.

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Let's go back and analyze the chords that we skipped.

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In AP Music Theory, attention is given to tones that are not part of the harmony as analyzed, they are called non-harmonic tones. If we consider non-harmonic tones, the first skipped chord can be analyzed as a continuation of the V chord with two non-harmonic tones (D and F). Since we will analyze these two notes as non-harmonic tones, we circle them to show that they are not part of the harmony as we analyze it. You will be able to study non-harmonic tones in depth by taking the AP Music Theory course.

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The second skipped chord is trickier.

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When voicing seventh chords (4-note chords), composers sometimes leave out the fifth of the chord.

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Notice that the bottom three notes (CEBb) are the root, third, and seventh of a C dominant seventh chord (V7). This is a 4-note chord (still spelled in 3rds - CEGBb)) with C as its root. Only the G (the fifth) is missing.

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Hence, we can analyze it as V7 with a non-harmonic tone A. We will circle the A as a note not a part of the harmony as analyzed. This was a more difficult analysis, but don't worry, the assignments, projects and tests in this module will contain more straight-forward analysis without the use of non-harmonic tones or missing fifths.

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This analysis is reinforced by the fact that V chords commonly resolve to I. Listen to these measures of Auld Lang Syne.

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