An Idiom of Melodic-Harmonic Divorce

Within the stratified harmonic behavior known as melodic-harmonic divorce, this paper identifies a gesture repeated idiomatically across rock repertory. Dubbed “sub-circle” motion, idiom is specifically form of syntax divorce wherein melodic layer unfolds in way consonant with and suggestive circle-of-fifths root motion (+P4) between two accompanying major chords; however, layer’s instead moves up by minor third (+m3), creating dissonance, or divorce. The then standard set paradigms—specific transpositional instances idiom—and catalogues numerous examples their use music. One paradigm, V-".fn_flat('')."VII add9 , subject special analytic historical inquiry, due to its proliferation deceptive cadence late twentieth century. This previously untheorized most prominent instance sub-circle idiom.