Augmented Sixth Chord - "Inverted" Augmented Sixth Chords

"Inverted" Augmented Sixth Chords

Augmented sixth chords are occasionally used with a different chord member in the bass. Since there is no consensus among theorists that they are in root position in their normal form, the word "inversion" isn't necessarily accurate, but is found in some textbooks, nonetheless. Sometimes, "inverted" augmented sixth chords occur as a product of voice leading.

The French philosopher composer, Jean-Jacques Rousseau considered that the chord could not be inverted (Dictionnaire de Musique). Seventeenth-century instances of the augmented sixth with the sharp note in the bass are generally limited to German sources.

Read more about this topic:  Augmented Sixth Chord

Famous quotes containing the words inverted, augmented, sixth and/or chords:

    Ulysses ... is a dogged attempt to cover the universe with mud, an inverted Victorianism, an attempt to make crossness and dirt succeed where sweetness and light failed, a simplification of the human character in the interests of Hell.
    —E.M. (Edward Morgan)

    Another success is the post-office, with its educating energy augmented by cheapness and guarded by a certain religious sentiment in mankind; so that the power of a wafer or a drop of wax or gluten to guard a letter, as it flies over sea over land and comes to its address as if a battalion of artillery brought it, I look upon as a fine meter of civilization.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    The elephant, not only the largest but the most intelligent of animals, provides us with an excellent example. It is faithful and tenderly loving to the female of its choice, mating only every third year and then for no more than five days, and so secretly as never to be seen, until, on the sixth day, it appears and goes at once to wash its whole body in the river, unwilling to return to the herd until thus purified. Such good and modest habits are an example to husband and wife.
    St. Francis De Sales (1567–1622)

    I love power. But it is as an artist that I love it. I love it as a musician loves his violin, to draw out its sounds and chords and harmonies.
    Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)