Chord Structure in Jazz and Romantic Era Music

Chord structure, especially on the piano, is essential in determining tone and fullness of musical pieces in jazz. Chords are more than just means to get a chord progression; instead, chord structure is the way the  individual chords themselves are built and played rhythmically. In jazz, a common chord structure is a system of broken chords. Broken chords are a system of combined arpeggios and block chords. Block chords enhance the dynamic quality of jazz piano by building a complex bass-line with the left hand, while the right hand performs the melody or other chords. Broken chords are foundational to the early, upbeat, jazz-piano style known as Stride. Stride was popular in the 1920s and 30s, and it is known as Stride because of the leaps the players' left hand would make in forming broken chords. The purpose of this is to replace a bass player and create a diverse and complicated-sounding boogie. An archetypal Stride piece is "Carolina Shout," composed and performed by James P. Johnson. Throughout this piece, a dynamic bass-line built on broken chords places massive emphasis on rhythm. Since there are a significant amount of bass notes played in a single measure, the separated beats are highlighted. Through the use of broken chords throughout jazz, rhythm is emphasized and separate bass players may become obsolete. More than rhythmic emphasis, broken chords also enhance the energy of the performance.

Broken chords in classical music may also have a distinct emphasis on the piece. This collective emphasis can enhance the noticeability of rhythmical values and energy. An example of this is in the fourth movement of Brahms Piano Quartet No. 3. In this finale, there is a musical dialogue between the melodic violin and rhythmic piano. The piano part is made of broken chords and a typically higher-ranged right hand. The broken chords and dynamic syncopation of the piano accents the violin's melody by creating a frantic tone, with heavy focus on specific rhythm and beat. The piano's lower register becomes almost percussive in its broken chords. In this instance of Romantic music, the piano enhances the listening experience by using broken chords to augment rhythm and tone.