521a

notes 2:

sentences

 A sentence is a common type of theme; SEE BELOW FOR CONT. => CAD

Presentation phrase (4 bars) Continuation phrase (4 bars)

b.i. (2 bars) b.i.’ (2 bars)

Continuation Cadential prog.
techniques

 CAN be shorter or longer than eight bars: more on this in future classes. “Normatively”

(i.e. as a rule) eight bars long; different length requires explanation/analysis

 Two phrases: presentation presents melodic/thematic/motivic material,

continuation drives toward cadence; AGAIN, SEE BELOW FOR CONT. => CAD.

o Could say the sentence is more “dynamic” and less “balanced” than the

period (next topic)

 Presentation starts with a two-measure basic idea (includes melody and harmony)

which is then repeated in next two bars (b.i.’, read “B-I prime”), in one of three ways:

o Exact (includes ALMOST exact) repetition: identical or similar melody &

especially harmony
 o Statement-response repetition: T–D or TD–DT, etc.

o Sequential repetition: repeated but not at same pitch or in dominant

 Presentation as a whole prolongs tonic harmony

 Approximately first half of continuation typically involves one or more techniques

but NEED NOT involve any PARTICULAR one of them. Note the sense of

“intensification” and “forward motion” created by all of these:

o Fragmentation = shortening of groups (often by half)

o Sequence

o Acceleration of harmonic rhythm = chord changes get faster

o Acceleration of surface rhythm (rhythmic acceleration) = notes get faster

o Rising register & dynamics—not mentioned in Caplin but often true

 Approximately second half of continuation typically has different features:

o Liquidation = melody/harmony becomes less “interesting,” more

conventional

o Cadential progression at end (can be PAC, IAC, or HC)

 Some sentences are not presentation + continuation, but instead presentation +

continuation => cadential (“continuation ‘becomes’ or ‘is reinterpreted as’ cadential).

In this case, the entire second half (four bars) of the theme is occupied by an

expanded cadential progression (ECP)—a cadential progression that lasts several

measures.

o Usually one measure per chord: I6……II6 or IV……V(7)……I

o Other continuation characteristics (fragmentation, etc.) may still be present