Grade 7 Theory Overview

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https://youtu.be/vc21sbF3TfQ

Theory GRADE 7

As in preceding grades, with the

recognition of all diatonic secondary seventh chords and their inversions,

the Neapolitan sixth and the

diminished seventh chords

all figures commonly used by composers during the period c.1620–1790 to indicate harmonies above a bass part. (figured bass)

Questions will cover:

1. The indication of chords and movement of the inner parts by figuring the bass in a passage in which both the melody and bass are given.

2. Rewriting a given passage to include appropriate suspensions and notes of melodic decoration.

3. Continuation of a given opening for solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment, which will be given in full throughout the passage, by completing the solo part, or, at the candidate’s choice, composition of a melody for a specified instrument (a choice will be given) based on a given progression of chords or melodic figure.

4. Questions on short extracts of music written for piano or in open score for voices or for any combination of instruments and/or voices, designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of the elements and notation of music, including the realization of ornaments, the identification and notation of underlying harmonic structure, phrase structure, style, performance markings, and on the voices and instruments (transposition, staff types) for which the works were written.

Marking Criteria:

Key/tonality/modulations (if present) have been correctly perceived

The figuring provides a musically satisfactory harmonic structure and some sense of style

The harmonic vocabulary shows some initiative, and features such as sequences have been correctly observed

2.

Harmonic outline well (but not excessively) embellished

Good consistency of texture and style throughout the passage

Implied features such as sequences have been observed

Grammatical aspects are mostly correct

3.

Melody has good shape, sense of direction and style

Melody agrees well with the harmonic structure of the passage

Melody lies well within the compass and capabilities of the instrument

Grammatical aspects are generally correct

4.

A good sense of shape and direction

There is a good unified sense of style/character

Rhythmic/melodic aspects of the given opening have been well utilised (but this is optional in chord progression question)

Chord progressions have been correctly utilised, including appropriate modulation

Melody is suited to and within the compass of the stipulated or chosen instrument

Dynamics/performance directions have been musically applied