Harmonic Rhythm

An accessible exploration of an important and understudied music theory topic, Swain's book examines the dimensional technique of analyzing harmonic rhythm. Simply defined, harmonic rhythm is the relationship between changes in harmony and perceived changes in rhythm. This phenomenon plays a large role in shaping the texture and style of much of Western music, from Renaissance polyphonic pieces to the works of Debussy. In Harmonic Rhythm, Joseph Swain revists this neglected theoretical concept, providing a clear and thorough explanation of how harmonic theory works. Using a small core of repeated musical examples, Swain explores the theory's crucial components including functional and non functional harmonies, harmonic tension and harmonic speed. In addition, swain outlines a method for "dimensional analysis" of musical works; taking both ryhthm and harmony into account, he shows readers how to achieve a more thorough understanding of and appreciation for the texture of music.