Theory of Music Grade 3Lesson 13 – Piano Style

Four-part vocal style writing means setting out chords so that they will sound well when sung by four voices – soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

Theory of Music Grade 3Lesson 13 – Piano Style

Chords can also be set out in another way called ‘piano or pianoforte style’.

The lowest note of the chord is written in the bass for the left hand to play, while the other notes, including the one which has to be doubled are grouped together in the treble for the right hand.

Theory of Music Grade 3Lesson 13 – Piano Style

The right hand chord in piano or pianoforte style must not exceed an octave in span from the bottom to top so that it fits comfortably under the fingers.

Theory of Music Grade 3Lesson 13 – Piano Style

In converting chords from four-part vocal style to piano style, the tenor note must, of course, be included in the right hand chord as shown in example (i).

Some times it needs to be put up an octave and written between the soprano and alto notes as in example (ii).

Theory of Music Grade 3Lesson 13 – Piano Style

When joining chords in piano style (V-I or IV-I) the same rules of voice leading apply as in vocal style.

Note that the leading note to tonic is in the same voice in both vocal and piano style.

Common notes are in the same voice in both styles. Remainder notes (rising a 2nd) is in the same voice in both styles.

Theory of Music Grade 3Lesson 13 – Piano Style

BASS NOTE STEMS: Notes on the middle line, stems can go up or down.

TREBLE CHORD STEMS: If the majority of notes are above the middle line, the stems go DOWN. If the majority of notes are below the middle line, the stems go UP.

Theory of Music Grade 3Lesson 13 – Piano Style

Class Exercise No.1 – Question 1 (lesson 13)

Class Exercise No.2 – Question 4 (lesson 13)

Class Exercise No.3 (Melody Writing) – Question 8 (lesson 13)

Homework: Complete all questions in lesson 13 except question 9.