Harmonielehre

harmony theory

noun har-mo-NEE-leh-re Rare

Origin: from Greek harmonia + Lehre (teaching)

Also means

the academic study of chords, progressions, and tonal relationships

Usage Note

Harmonielehre is a compulsory subject at all German music conservatories. Students analyse chord functions, voice leading, and modulations. The classic German textbook is Schönberg's own Harmonielehre (1911).

Examples

"Sie hat ein Jahr Harmonielehre studiert und kann nun jede Progression analysieren."

Natural Translation

She studied harmony theory for a year and can now analyse any progression.

Literal Translation

She has a year harmony-theory studied and can now every progression analyse.

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