Simultaneity

This lesson is part of the Harmony category.

This lesson is part of the Rhythm, Meter & Form category.

Objectives

• Students will become familiar with the concepts of multiple tonal centers, polychords and polytonality.
• Students will become familiar with the rhythmic characteristics of polymetricism.

Resources

Readings

• Hutchinson, Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
  • Chapter 32: Impressionism and Extended Tonality
    • 32.3: Polychords
• Magnuson, Sound Patterns:
  • "Primitivism: B. Vocabulary"
  • "Primitivism: E. Time Organization"

Class Activities

• Discussion and definition of polychords, polytonality, obscure key centers,polymeter and polyrhythms
• Tonal analysis of music from different genres and time periods.
• Analysis of music which features polymeter or polyrhythms
• Composition and improvisation in a polytonal style
• Composition and improvisation in a polymetric structure

Assignments

• Identification and analysis of polychordal and polytonal techniques in written and recorded music
• Identification and analysis of polymetric and polyrhythmic techniques in written and recorded music