87.113Mini-composition exercise

Write a 32-bar piece where harmonic rhythm is the principal form-building device.

Requirements:

• first 4 bars: no more than one harmonic change every 2 bars
• next 8 bars: approximately one change per bar
• one phrase with accelerating harmonic rhythm toward cadence
• one phrase with decelerating harmonic rhythm after climax
• one dominant function lasting at least 2 bars while color changes internally
• one tonic arrival delayed past the expected downbeat
• one tonic anticipated before the downbeat
• one passage where bass changes before upper harmony
• one passage where upper harmony changes before bass
• one 3-beat harmonic cycle over 4/4
• one deceptive chord whose structural importance is created primarily by duration
• one full bar of silence whose harmonic function remains perceptible
• final 4 bars must create a harmonic ritardando without slowing tempo

The listener should feel the form changing even if the actual chord vocabulary is relatively simple.