27.3: Voice Leading the VV7 to II Progression
27.3 Voice Leading the VV7 to II Progression
In voice leading the VV7 to II progression in four parts, one must deliberately choose one of the following methods:
-
“Strict” resolution:
-
Complete VV7 to incomplete I: resolve 7^ up and 4^ and 2^ down. This means resolving the 3rd of the VV7 chord (7^ ) up and the 7th and 5th of the VV7 chord down. For the sake of consistency in terminology, the examples below label 7^ , 2^ , and the 7th of the chord. The incomplete I chord will have a tripled root and one 3rd.
-
Incomplete VV7 (no fifth) to complete I.
-
Complete VV7 to incomplete I: resolve 7^ up and 4^ and 2^ down. This means resolving the 3rd of the VV7 chord (7^ ) up and the 7th and 5th of the VV7 chord down. For the sake of consistency in terminology, the examples below label 7^ , 2^ , and the 7th of the chord. The incomplete I chord will have a tripled root and one 3rd.
-
“Free” resolution:
-
If 7^ is not in the soprano part, you can resolve it down by the interval of a third to 5^ .
-
If 7^ is not in the soprano part, you can resolve it down by the interval of a third to 5^ .
In piano music you will sometimes find “improper” resolution of the 7th of a chord because it fits the hand better. This should be considered an exception and will not be acceptable in voice leading exercises completed for this class.
27.3.1 Voice Leading II46 to VV7
When II46 resolves to VV7, beware of parallel fifths if the fifth is above the root in the II46 chord. If it is, move all upper voices upward to the closest notes of the VV7chord, or to an incomplete VV7 (no 5th).