12 Mixed Spacing
When a change of spacing occurs, avoid parallel or similar motion by keeping at least one voice stationary or moving one voice in contrary motion against the other three.
Chords utilizing octave doubling in the upper three voices (I6, IV6, V6, and vi
) are semi-open and are good transfer points to change spacing.
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The doubled do in I6 will move outward to a V triad in open spacing.
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The doubled octave re in V6 will move outward to a I triad in open spacing.
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The doubled octave do in IV6 will move inward to a V triad in close spacing.
Frequently used mixed spacing procedures
A. Change of spacing with chord repetition
B. Change of spacing with root position chords a third apart
C. Change of spacing with the vi chord or IV6 chord
D. Change of spacing with the 3rd of the first chord moving to the 3rd of the next chord
In the first example, the tenor has the 3rd of the C major chord (in close spacing), which moves to the 3rd of the following G major chord (in open spacing).
E. Change of spacing due to large skips
All the above examples work the same in minor keys.
Practice 1
Recall from the Common Mistakes in Voice Leading that in open spacing there cannot be more than an octave between the upper pairs of voices (S – A, A – T). The distance between the B and T can be either more or less than an octave.
Identify the errors in spacing in examples 1 and 2 below by bracketing the incorrect intervals. Provide full analysis.
Compare examples 1 and 2 above with the correct spacings in examples 3 and 4.
Practice 2