[Harp-L] Determining the "Right" Chord(s)?

[Robert Coble <robertpcoble@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Here's something a little different for the music theorists.

Given a hymn book containing four-part harmony on the
grand staff, how does one determine the appropriate chords 
to be played and how long to stay on a particular chord?

I know how chords are constructed, and I can construct a 
chord to fit every note combination at each point in the song.
However, I don't know how to choose a chord that will be
played over several notes (for instance, over a measure or 
more), even as the individual notes in the four parts are
changing from note to note. Is the "clue" to be found in the 
bass notes?

My older brother (who is an excellent pianist) used to refer to
playing the exact four notes given in the hymnal as in "Sarah
style." ("Sarah" would be our mother, who played the exact four 
notes given in the hymnal, with no deviations, embellishments,
fills, etc. at all.) I asked him and he stated that it was "obvious."
Maybe to a keyboardist, but not to this harmonica player! And
the really weird thing is: I know more music theory than he 
does!!

BTW, he suggested sight reading training by taking each "voice"
on every song in the hymnal and playing it as a single line. He
opines that it will not take too long to become really proficient
in sight reading different keys. Any thoughts on his suggestion?

Thanks,
Crazy Bob

 
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