Classical harmony is diatonic

General characteristics of harmony and tonality in the Classical period. Tonality was diatonic - in a major or minor key. ... Regular cadences were used to punctuate balanced classical phrases. The two main chords were the tonic and dominant chords - chords I and V - with some diminished seventh chords.

1. What is classical harmony?
2. What is a diatonic harmony?
3. What is the harmony and texture of classical music?
4. What does diatonic harmony sound like?

What is classical harmony?

The approach to harmony according to which chords are purposely built up from their bass note marked the beginning of the common practice period of Western harmony. The transition began around 1600 and was nearly complete by 1650.

What is a diatonic harmony?

Diatonic harmony is a fancy way of saying chords or notes that relate to a certain key. For example, the note D is diatonic to the key of C because it can be found in the C major scale. ... Notes and chords can be diatonic to more than one key, only when you are not analyzing the degree of the note or chord.

What is the harmony and texture of classical music?

Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture than Baroque music and is less complex. It is mainly homophonic—melody above chordal accompaniment (but counterpoint by no means is forgotten, especially later in the period).

What does diatonic harmony sound like?

Purely diatonic music has a simple, straightforward sound to it. For instance folk songs and nursery rhymes are often strictly diatonic. More often, songs are mostly diatonic only straying from the notes of the key once in a while. ... Diatonic harmony is the study of how notes within a key relate to one another.