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This is an odd post, because the author starts in the right place, harmonics, and then veers off into scale degrees without really answering the question. The
by flurie 4y ago
This is an odd post, because the author starts in the right place, harmonics, and then veers off into scale degrees without really answering the question.
The best place to get the answer is Schönberg’s Theory of Harmony, but we can do something quick here.
The main harmonic series of music is what happens when one applies integer multiplication to a given frequency, which we’ll call a root. As the author described, an octave, or the same perceived sound but higher, is a 2x, and a 3x, or 1.5x the previous value, is called a “fifth” due to it being the fifth major scale degree in the twelve tone system described by the author. 4x is 2^2, another octave, and then 5x is the (major) third.
Because all of these integer harmonics are present in the root, though at greatly reduced force, these sounds serve to bolster the natural harmonics of the root.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- odyssey7 4y agoWhile it's an interesting derivation, Schoenberg was eager to explain that his book was about teaching practical skills and understanding. He prefaced his derivation with the statement: "Therefore, whenever I theorize, it is less important whether these theories be right than whether they be useful as comparisons to clarify the object and to give the study perspective." This is something I find compelling about Schoenberg. He doesn't claim to know more than he does, he's just presenting a useful mental model.
- flurie 4y agoIt sounds like we agree? I recommend that intro because it's practical, especially for someone who is likely an adult asking what a major chord is.
- odyssey7 4y agoThis might just be a word choice thing, I think I took issue with it being labeled the answer -- Schoenberg didn't want it to be considered definitive, but merely useful. An overarching theme of the book was his philosophy that no eternal aesthetic laws were known to exist, so he was careful not to make definitive claims unless he could really be sure about them.