tierce de picardie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very rarely. The concept exists (a minor tune ending on a major I chord), but the specific historical term is almost never used outside classical music theory contexts.

They are synonyms. 'Tierce de Picardie' is the original French term; 'Picardy third' is its common English translation. Usage varies by author and context.

The etymology is uncertain. It may derive from the Old French 'picart' meaning 'sharp' or 'pointed' (referring to the raised third), or it may be a geographical reference to the Picardy region of France, though the exact connection is lost.

By strict historical definition, it is a cadential device for the final tonic chord. However, in modern analysis, the term is sometimes loosely applied to any raised third that creates a local major tonic chord within a minor passage, not just at the very end.

A musical cadence in a minor key where the final chord is unexpectedly major, typically achieved by raising the third of the tonic chord.

Tierce de picardie is usually technical / formal (musicology) in register.

Tierce de picardie: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɪəs də ˈpɪkədi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɪrs də ˈpɪkərdi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.