PARALLEL HARMONY Meaning and
Definition
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Parallel harmony refers to a musical composition technique where two or more melodic lines or voices move in similar intervals or pitch patterns, resulting in a harmonically pleasing and balanced sound. This technique aims to create a sense of unity and coherence among the different voices or parts, enhancing the overall musical experience.
In parallel harmony, the melodic lines or voices move in the same direction and maintain an intervallic relationship throughout, often a constant interval such as a fourth or a fifth. This creates a consonant and smooth sound, as the melodies move in parallel motion without clashing or creating dissonance. The parallel motion can be achieved through various means, including similar melodic contours, the usage of chord tones or similar rhythmic patterns.
Parallel harmony is commonly used in various musical genres and can be found in both vocal and instrumental compositions. It is often employed in hymns, choral music, and classical compositions but can also be found in contemporary and popular music. The technique adds depth, richness, and harmonic color to the overall musical texture and helps to establish a sense of unity and cohesion among the different voices.
Overall, parallel harmony is a musical technique that harmonizes multiple melodic lines by moving them in parallel motion while maintaining a consistent intervallic relationship. It is a fundamental aspect of music composition, contributing to the overall harmonic structure and aural experience of a piece.
Etymology of PARALLEL HARMONY
The etymology of the word "parallel harmony" is as follows:
1. Parallel: The word "parallel" comes from the Latin word "parallels", which means "parallel lines". It is derived from the Greek word "parallelos", where "para" means "beside" and "allelos" means "one another".
2. Harmony: The word "harmony" comes from the Greek word "harmonia", which means "agreement" or "concord". It was originally used in the field of music and referred to the combination of different musical notes played simultaneously to produce pleasing sounds.
When combined, the term "parallel harmony" refers to a specific type of musical harmony where two or more musical voices or parts move in parallel motion, maintaining a set interval between them.
