picardy third: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “picardy third” mean?
A musical chord, specifically a major third chord used to conclude a piece written in a minor key.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical chord, specifically a major third chord used to conclude a piece written in a minor key.
In music theory, a harmonic device where a minor-key passage ends on a tonic major chord (I), creating a 'bright' or 'hopeful' resolution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling.
Connotations
Identical, technical, academic.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “picardy third” in a Sentence
[piece/composition] + ends on + a Picardy thirdThe + composer + employs + a Picardy thirdVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “picardy third” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It was a Picardy-third ending.
American English
- He used a Picardy-third cadence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A
Academic
Used in musicology and harmonic analysis textbooks and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The standard context for its use.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “picardy third”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “picardy third”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “picardy third”
- Misspelling as 'Piccardy' or 'Pickardy third'. Using it to describe any major chord in a minor piece, rather than specifically the final tonic chord.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized term used almost exclusively in music theory.
No, by definition it refers specifically to the final chord of a piece or section.
Because it involves raising the minor third of the tonic chord to a major third.
No, it is a stylistic choice used particularly in music from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods.
A musical chord, specifically a major third chord used to conclude a piece written in a minor key.
Picardy third is usually technical in register.
Picardy third: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪkədi θɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪkərdi θɜrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a ray of light at the end”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PICk a happy third at the end.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUNRISE AFTER A STORM (a sudden shift from dark to bright).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Picardy third' primarily associated with?