In Context
- Is the BASS part or are the INNER parts involved?
The OUTER parts of a four-part texture are heard more clearly than the inner parts. Tying or repeating notes in the bass, therefore, would have a stronger effect than doing the same in the alto or tenor.
Any action performed on ADJACENT parts will tend to group or polarize the effect. Repeating soprano and alto while tying tenor and bass would feel more rhythmical on top yet heavier and drone-like on the bottom. Repeating soprano and bass while tying alto and tenor would seem more drone-like in the middle.
If you want a more evenly-distributed effect, ALTERNATE tied and repeated parts (see yellow highlights). Repeat in soprano, tie in alto, repeat in tenor, and tie in bass.
Index