ABSTRACT
In the minor mode, the variable sixth and seventh scale degrees create a larger pool of potential harmonies Roman numerals are more useful in harmonic analysis than letter name chord symbols because beyond identifying the chord root and quality, they provide insight into the chord’s place in the scale and its function in the key. The chords of a key are its citizens, and like the citizens of a country, they are subject to laws and customs. One of these is the circle of fifths. Circle of fifths patterns are subject to modification. A compelling melodic pattern, whether in the bass or another voice, can add logic to a retrogressive harmonic pattern. Functional tonality is the harmonic language of the common practice period—the music composed roughly between 1650 and 1900 when composers used a more or less standard harmonic vocabulary and syntax.
