Zakharov Yu.K. The Secrets of Tonal Melody

Abstract: The article continues the elaboration of new methods of tonal melody analysis initiated by the author in previous works. These methods are based on the original interpretation of Heinrich Schenker's theory. The subject of the research is F. Schubert’s song "Das Wandern" (from the cycle "Die Schöne Müllerin") and Lied ohne Worte No 20 by F. Mendelssohn. Melody is considered in four aspects: 1) in the context of harmonic four-part texture; 2) in the context of linear progressions (the Urlinie and middleground pitch-lines according to Schenker); 3) within the melodic ambitus (identifying the primary, secondary and intermediate stable tones); 4) as the intoned conjugation of tones or chords. The researcher describes initial and/or final arrays of keynotes ('solid particles'). Melodic principles are divided into basic, auxiliary and intermediate ones. The final stage of analysis is the producing both detailed and concise schemes of melody. The methods offered by the researcher adequately demonstrate the movement of melody in the context of the linear-harmonic continuity of the mode. The article also includes a brief history of studying melody in the USSR.

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