Harmonization of Brazilian Popular Songs

Harmonization of popular songs in Brazil has, for quite some time, been considered worthy of the attention of both music theorists and musicologists. Theaccompanimentsattract attention due to their varied and sometimes original character. The peculiarities of the harmonization of popular Brazilian songs may not always be immediately comprehensible, nor correspond exactly to conventions found in analyses of the traditional concert repertoire. The chief reference treatises and manuals adopted in music schools can certainly provide satisfactory explanations, when appropriately used. Yet many specialists consider problematic some concepts and definitions that should facilitate the task of analysing popular songs.The Manual of Harmony by Igor VladimirovichSpossobin, 1955 edition, is the textbook adopted for harmony classes in the undergraduate program at the Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro – Unirio. Considered one of the most complete on the topic,it is also used at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow. The 2007 edition is also used for reference.Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that the book has not been used intensively for the analysis of popular songs. The Manual covers 60 topics, some of which are useful in explaining harmonic language frequently present in popular songs. Concepts such as inclination, the major-minor system, augmented sixth chords, Neapolitan harmonies, ellipse, diminished-seventh chords and chords with non-chord tones, can be used to explain many of the harmoniesheard in Brazilian popular songs.