Music Transcription Harmonic Dictation and Analysis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In harmonic dictation, how would you identify a chord as being in second inversion?
- The third is in the bass
- The fifth is in the bass (Correct answer)
- The root is in the bass
- The seventh is in the bass
Correct answer: The fifth is in the bass
Second inversion (6/4 chord) places the fifth of the chord in the bass voice.
Question 2: What Roman numeral analysis applies to a chord built on the sixth scale degree in a major key?
- IV
- V
- vi (Correct answer)
- iii
Correct answer: vi
The chord built on the sixth scale degree in a major key is a minor triad, labeled vi in Roman numeral analysis.
Question 3: A progression ending with vi instead of I after a V chord is called what?
- Plagal cadence
- Half cadence
- Deceptive cadence (Correct answer)
- Authentic cadence
Correct answer: Deceptive cadence
A deceptive cadence occurs when V resolves to vi instead of the expected I, creating a surprise ending.
Question 4: In harmonic transcription, an augmented sixth chord typically resolves to which chord?
- IV
- I
- V or I6/4 (Correct answer)
- vi
Correct answer: V or I6/4
Augmented sixth chords resolve outward by half step to V or the cadential 6/4 chord.
Question 5: Which figured bass symbol indicates a triad in first inversion?
- 5/3
- 6/4
- 6/3 or simply 6 (Correct answer)
- 7
Correct answer: 6/3 or simply 6
First inversion triads are indicated by 6/3 in figured bass, often abbreviated as just 6.
Question 6: When analyzing a Picardy third, what change occurs at the final cadence?
- The dominant chord is raised
- The tonic chord is raised to major in a minor key (Correct answer)
- The leading tone is lowered
- The subdominant becomes minor
Correct answer: The tonic chord is raised to major in a minor key
A Picardy third raises the third of the tonic chord from minor to major at the final cadence in a minor-key piece.
Question 7: In harmonic analysis, what is the primary function of the leading tone (vii°) chord?
- Subdominant function
- Tonic prolongation
- Dominant function (Correct answer)
- Pre-dominant function
Correct answer: Dominant function
The vii° chord has dominant function because it shares two pitches with V7 and strongly pulls toward the tonic.
Music Transcription Harmonic Dictation and Analysis 3
In harmonic dictation, how would you identify a chord as being in second inversion?