How Do You Spell PICARDY THIRD?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪkədi θˈɜːd] (IPA)

Picardy Third is a musical term used to describe a major chord played at the end of a piece of music which was previously in a minor key. The spelling of the word "picardy" is pronounced as /pɪkərdi/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The final cluster 'dy' in Picardy is pronounced as /di/ with the letter 'a' pronounced as a short 'i' sound /ɪ/ in British English. The word is named after the French region of Picardy where the technique was first popularized.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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PICARDY THIRD Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "Picardy Third" refers to a specific musical technique used in Western classical music, particularly during the Baroque and Romantic periods. It involves the unexpected alteration of a minor chord to a major chord at the end of a musical piece or section in a minor key.

    Typically, when a piece of music is composed in a minor key, the chord progression and melody tend to evoke a sense of melancholy, sadness, or tension. However, in a Picardy Third, the final chord is unexpectedly changed from a minor chord to a major chord, creating a sudden shift in mood and bringing a sense of resolution and upliftment.

    The Picardy Third often occurs in the final cadence of a musical composition, acting as a surprising twist that leaves the listener with a lasting impression. It can be seen as a kind of musical surprise or trick, defying the listener's expectations and providing a sense of closure and happy conclusion.

    The technique takes its name from the music of the Picardy region in France, where it was commonly found in religious compositions. It later gained popularity throughout Europe in secular music as well. Today, the Picardy Third is still used by composers, musicians, and arrangers looking to add an unexpected moment of contrast and resolution to a minor key composition, creating a sense of surprise and emotional impact.

Etymology of PICARDY THIRD

The term "Picardy third" originated from the musical practice known as "Picardy cadence". The term "Picardy" itself refers to the historical region of Picardy in Northern France. In the context of music, a "Picardy cadence" is a harmonic device where a piece in a minor key finishes with a major chord on the tonic (the first note of the scale). This creates a contrasting and unexpected change from the minor tonality throughout the piece. The term "Picardy third" specifically refers to the use of a major third in the final chord of a piece that has otherwise been in a minor key. The etymology of the term is closely linked to the historical use of this musical cadence in Renaissance and Baroque music, where it became a noticeable feature in pieces composed in Western Europe, including the region of Picardy.