augmented sixth chords

In music theory, an augmented sixth chord contains the interval of an augmented sixth, usually above its bass tone. This chord has its origins in the Renaissance, was further developed in the Baroque, and became a distinctive part of the musical style of the Classical and Romantic periods.

1. How do augmented sixth chords resolve?
2. What is an augmented sixth interval?
3. What is the purpose of augmented sixth chords?
4. Did Bach use augmented sixth chords?

How do augmented sixth chords resolve?

The notes of the augmented 6th interval resolve outward by half step to make an octave on the 5th scale degree; one tonic note moves to the leading tone, and one to the 2nd scale degree, making a V triad with the root doubled. ... The French augmented sixth can resolve to either V or a tonic six-four chord.

What is an augmented sixth interval?

Play (help·info)) is an interval produced by widening a major sixth by a chromatic semitone. For instance, the interval from C to A is a major sixth, nine semitones wide, and both the intervals from C♭ to A, and from C to A♯ are augmented sixths, spanning ten semitones.

What is the purpose of augmented sixth chords?

Augmented sixth chords also help as an intermediate step between ♭VI and V in both minor and borrowed major keys. Moving from ♭VI - Ger⁺⁶ - V avoids parallel octaves from ♭6 - 5 in the doubled roots. They can serve as both tonicization and pivot chords in modulation.

Did Bach use augmented sixth chords?

Bach's BWV 232: Augmented Sixth Chords in the Symbolum Nicenum as Structural and Theological Unifying Factors and recommend that it be accepted as fulfilling the document requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Musical Arts.