Harmonization is one of the tasks in the lessons of solfeggio, harmony and music theory in music schools, colleges and universities. The meaning of the task is to choose a chord with which a sound or a group of sounds of a melody has euphony. Harmonization does not include the creation of texture and instrumentation of the work (that is, the creation of the original rhythmic, instrumental and other drawings of the work).
Instructions
Step 1
Under each sound of the melody, write a Roman or Arabic (as convenient) number indicating the number of the step in the key. If there are modulations and deviations in other keys in the melody, mark them and, after changing, keep counting from the new tonic.
Step 2
Each sound comes in one or two chords of a specific key. These can be basic chords (tonic, subdominant, or dominant) or secondary chords (median, from the second, third, sixth and seventh degrees). You can use almost any of these chords, but follow the general rules of classical harmony; for example, the dominant chord is best used at the end of the form, before the final tonic. In rare cases, it can be used in the off-beat, at the beginning of a form. It is usually followed by a tonic chord.
Step 3
Poorly understood (practically not perceived by an ordinary listener) the change of harmony more often than twice per bar. At the same time, two types of harmony are widespread in a four-beat time: one chord for counting "one, two", and the second for "three, four". Sometimes the whole measure is kept on one chord; this rule is not necessary to play. On the contrary, if you break the rhythm of harmony from time to time (the first chord is three beats, the second is two, the third is one), some liveliness will appear in the melody.
Step 4
Distinguish sounds that require a chord change from passing sounds. The latter can sound against the background of the main chord without prejudice to the melody, even if they are in dissonance with one of the sounds of the chord.
Step 5
Start practicing harmonization with simple, long-familiar melodies: "Chizhik-fawn", "Herringbone", and other favorite children's melodies. By the way, an example of harmonization of the first song: One, two - tonic (in C major - C major).
Three, four - dominant (G major).
One, two is dominant.
Three, four - tonic.
Step 6
Chords can be played with “pillars” (three or four sounds at the same time with the left hand), arpeggio or in another way, it does not matter in principle. It is important to simultaneously play the melody with your right hand without hesitation.
