Harmony and Musicality

Playing a musical instrument is a rich and rewarding experience that develops a wide range of skills. Virtuosos often wow us with incredible feats of dexterity in fast passagework. Whilst developing a good (or even brilliant!) technique is vital when learning to play an instrument, the expressive side of music is sometimes left behind.

Music is a form of communication. When we are listening to or performing a piece we are often transported by it as it evokes emotions and inspires thoughts within us. How effective this communication is, is often judged in terms of 'musicality'. A more musical performance is a more effective communication of the music's and the performer's expressive intent. So how can a student improve the musicality of their performance?

One way to achieve this would be through a better understanding of the harmony of a piece. By thinking about and analysing harmony we can get a greater sense of what a composer's expressive intentions were. What does an interrupted or deceptive cadence mean? An understanding of the harmonic and historical context of this cadence can help us to decode its possible meaning or meanings. Once we comprehend the expressive function of a particular harmony we can begin to build a more musical interpretation of a piece that can stand out from the crowd.