MUSIC THEORY

Music 222

Parallel Period

This is a consequent phrase which would complement the antecedent phrase, thereby constructing a parallel period.

Antecedent

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Consequent

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Does this look anything like yours?  Remember, for a parallel period, the consequent phrase should begin similarly to the antecedent phrase.  Notice that the antecedent phrase above ends in a half cadence.  We know this because the C that ends the phrase could not appear in a tonic chord in this key, but it could be part of the dominant triad (F-A-C).  Also observe that the consequent phrase should end on a note that is part of the tonic triad (preferably the root).

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William S. Bartolotta
Music Department
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529