unfaithful once more...

Section A: Verse

Key: c minor

the chord progression is unlike that of section B which is a harmonic progression. This section is more of a voice leading type, which i have marked out in green.

The first 2 bars are the transition back to the verse from the chorus. They take on the melody of the introduction in the opening.

Chord PRogression: i (5,3) - (6,4,2) - (5,3) - 6,4,2) (first two bars)

Harmonic function: T-------------------------------

In this introduction opening, the use of suspensions can be found. first bar, 2nd beat a (4 -3) suspension, 2nd bar,1st beat, (9-8) suspension and 2nd beat, (4 -3) suspension. I have failed to mark it out in the score so i'm writing it out here.

THe chord progression and harmonic function for the next 6 bars are:

i (5,3) - (6) - (5,3) - (6,4,2) : bars 3 and 4

T--------------------------

VI (5,3) - (6) - (7) - V (5,4,3): bars 5 and 6

PD-----------------D

i (5,3) - (6,4,2) - (5,3) - (6,4,2): bars 7 and 8, (last two bars)

T------------------------------

There is the use of pedal point throughout this section. I have marked it out in orange. Most of it is the use of tonic pedal until bar 5, it goes to a submediant then back to a tonic pedal in bar 7.

The emphasis of this section, is on the 1st beat. There is stronger emphasis on the first beat followed by a weaker emphasis on the third beat at the verse. i have marked it out in dark and light blue.

In bar 8, a melismatic passage can be found in the upper voice, marked out in yellow. this is the first time it is being introduced followed shortly by another use of melisma which will be seen in the next post.

As compared to section B, where there was a diminution in rhythm. Here, we have an augmentation in rhythm giving this section a laid back feel. and in bars 5 and 6, we have an interrupted cadence VI - V.

yup, that's all i have found for now. please point out to me the parts that i might have left out. Thank you :)

unfaithful again

section B - Chorus



This is also a 4 bar phrasing. The rhythmic emphasis is on the 2nd beat of each bar. There is also a preparation note leading to the next chord.

key: c minor

use of harmonic progression:

i5/3 -6, iv, bVII (first 2 bars), (T - PD - D)

i - VI - bVII - iv (bars 3 - 4), (T - PD - D - PD)

i - VI - iv - bVII7 (bars 5 - 6), (T - PD - PD - D)

VI - bVII (bars 7 - 8), (PD - D)

If i have really missed out anything here, please tell me. i will go look at it again.

Thank you.

Video on Rihanna's unfaithful

I have embeded a video clip. You can listen to it and then view my analysis on this piece :) enjoy

unfaithful cont.

please click on the image for a bigger and clearer view.

Basically, this entire song it has a 4 bar phrasing throughout.

the first 4 bars at the top belongs to section A, the verse. I have marked out the voice leading bits in green.

In section B, which is the prechorus and chorus, it is a 4 bar phrasing and it modulates to the key of its relative major, E flat major.

there is also the use of tonal sequence which i have marked out in orange. Within the sequence, there has been the use of passing notes in the melody line. In the left hand, there is the use of diminution in rhythm as compared to the rhythm in section A. The broken chords in section B has shorter rhythm, thus giving it a faster feel to the tempo. The rhythmic emphasis is on the 1st and the 3rd beat unlike in section A, the emphasis is on the 1st beat.

section B - prechorus

Key: E flat major

Harmonic progression: IV - V - vi - V6 - I (first 2 bars), IV - V - IV

c: VI bVII6 (last 2 bars)

Harmonic function: PD - D - PD - D - T , PD - D - PD - PD - (t)- will resolve to a

tonic which is shown on the next page in the next posting

Interestingly, the chord progression of the first 2 bars, is a walk up to an E flat chord. and the cadence at the 2nd bar, V - I is supposed to be a perfect cadence, however, it seems like an imperfect cadence leading to an A flat chord.

In the last two bars, we have an auxiliary chord, B flat, sandwiched between two A flat chords. there is a pivot chord on the first beat of the last bar, moving back to c minor.

that is all for now, the next blog would be on section B, chorus.