Quartal Harmony: A musical harmony created by stacking intervals of fourths, rather than traditional thirds, resulting in chords with a modern, open sound.
Context and Significance
Quartal harmony plays a crucial role in various musical genres, offering a fresh harmonic perspective. It is widely used in jazz, early 20th-century classical music, and film scores to evoke mystery and modernity. Instruments like the piano and guitar frequently explore quartal harmony due to their versatility in chord voicings. This harmony allows composers and performers to add a textured, airy quality to their music, making it a favored choice for creating a distinctive sonic landscape.
Historical Background
Quartal harmony emerged prominently in the early 20th century as composers sought alternatives to traditional tertian harmony. Influenced by Impressionism and the works of composers like Debussy, quartal harmony found a foothold in classical music. Jazz musicians, notably John Coltrane, embraced this approach, integrating it into a style that resonated with the genre’s emphasis on innovation and expression. Over time, quartal harmony became a staple in modern compositions, offering a new harmonic language for musical exploration.
Examples
Quartal harmony is evident in the works of modern jazz musicians and composers. John Coltrane’s “Impressions” showcases the use of fourth-based chords, creating an ethereal soundscape. In classical music, Olivier Messiaen utilized quartal harmony to enhance the mystical qualities of his compositions. Film composers, such as John Williams, also employ quartal harmony to add tension and depth to their scores, as heard in iconic themes like those from “Star Wars.”
Related Terms
Tertian Harmony: Traditional harmony based on thirds.
Quintal Harmony: Harmony built on fifths.
Polytonality: Using multiple keys simultaneously.
Impressionism: A musical movement emphasizing atmosphere and emotion, often associated with Debussy.