Music Transcription Harmonic Progression Analysis Questions and Answers

Question 1

While transcribing a piece in C minor, you encounter a D-flat major chord that resolves to a G major chord (V). How should this D-flat major chord be analyzed using Roman numerals?

Accepted Answer

As a Neapolitan chord (N6 or ♭II6)

Answer

As a secondary dominant (V/V)

Answer

As a borrowed chord from the parallel major (♭II)

Answer

As a result of modal interchange (iv/iv)

Question 2

In the context of Common Practice Period harmony, which of the following harmonic progressions is considered the strongest and most foundational for establishing tonality?

Accepted Answer

V - I (Authentic)

Answer

IV - I (Plagal)

Answer

V - vi (Deceptive)

Answer

ii - V (Pre-dominant to Dominant)

Question 3

You are analyzing a passage in G major and identify the following chord progression: G major - E major - A minor - D major. The E major chord is non-diatonic. What is its most likely function?

Accepted Answer

A secondary dominant (V/ii)

Answer

A borrowed chord from G minor (VI)

Answer

A Neapolitan chord (N6)

Answer

The leading-tone chord of the relative minor (vii°/vi)

Question 4

A composer wants to create a moment of surprise by avoiding the expected resolution to the tonic chord. Which of the following cadences would best achieve this effect?

Accepted Answer

Deceptive Cadence (V-vi)

Answer

Perfect Authentic Cadence (V-I)

Answer

Plagal Cadence (IV-I)

Answer

Half Cadence (ends on V)

Question 5

Which of the following describes the concept of 'modal interchange' or 'borrowed chords'?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing chords from a parallel key (e.g., C minor in the key of C major).

Answer

Temporarily shifting the tonic center to a new key.

Answer

Using a chord that functions as the dominant of a non-tonic chord.

Answer

Inverting a diatonic chord to create smoother bass motion.

Question 6

You are analyzing a Baroque piece and notice a long chain of chords where the root of each successive chord is a fifth lower (or a fourth higher) than the previous one, such as I - IV - vii° - iii - vi - ii - V - I. This common pattern is known as a:

Accepted Answer

Circle-of-fifths progression

Answer

Phrygian progression

Answer

Plagal sequence

Answer

Chromatic modulation

While transcribing a piece in C minor, you encounter a D-flat major chord that resolves to a G major chord (V).How should this D-flat major chord be analyzed using Roman numerals?

While transcribing a piece in C minor, you encounter a D-flat major chord that resolves to a G major chord (V).
How should this D-flat major chord be analyzed using Roman numerals?