consecutive interval
An interval which occurs between the same two parts in two consecutive chords, for example A and C between tenor and soprano in one chord followed by B and D in the same parts in the next chord, this being an instance of consecutive minor 3rds. In traditional harmonic teaching there are two ‘forbidden’ consecutive intervals: the 5th and the octave. In practice, the term ‘consecutives’ is used pejoratively, implying consecutive 5ths or octaves. American usage prefers ‘parallel’ to ‘consecutive’.
User Comments Add a comment…