Passamezzo in Music
Passamezzo is a term used in music to refer to a specific chord progression or harmonic pattern. It originated in Italy in the early 16th century and later spread throughout Europe. The passamezzo antico, meaning "old passamezzo," is a chordal ground that consists of a repeating sequence of chords. It is often associated with the folk song "Greensleeves" and has been arranged with either the passamezzo antico or its closely related variant, the romanesca, as a harmonic bass .
The passamezzo antico follows a chord progression of I-VII-I-V, with the first chord being the tonic (I) and the seventh chord (VII) providing a harmonic tension before resolving back to the tonic. In the key of A minor, for example, the chord progression would be Am-G-Am-E. The passamezzo antico is typically in a minor key and features a repeating bass line that provides a foundation for variations and improvisation.
The romanesca is a variation of the passamezzo antico and is characterized by a sequence of four chords with a simple, repeating bass. It is closely related to the passamezzo antico and is often used interchangeably with it. The romanesca is associated with the refrain of "Greensleeves" and has been documented as having a possible association with spirituality .
It's important to note that the passamezzo and romanesca are not limited to these specific chord progressions and can vary in different musical contexts and compositions. They have been used in various musical styles and periods, including the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
In summary, passamezzo is a term used in music to describe a chord progression or harmonic pattern. The passamezzo antico and romanesca are two related variations of this pattern, often associated with the folk song "Greensleeves" and used as a harmonic bass in arrangements and compositions
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