Task: Below are four groups of triads. Your task is to create a perpetual round for each group. You could also formulate your own triad basis. The piece could be instrumental if you wish, but if you have a mind to invent some amusing words for singers, then do so. Complete at least two rounds.
This has been an interesting exercise to complete and something I was looking forward to doing as soon as the unit started. I have been looking at samples of rounds and catches available (there are plenty!), and it felt a bit daunting at first. However, the blueprint for composing at least a simple round is quite easy to follow. The best starting point is to separate the triads into the component voices and write lines based on these initial vertical chords. I did see some samples by Purcell where some dissonance was created by the melodies lining up vertically with major 2nd intervals or parallel 4th intervals, so the rules can be flexible if done correctly.
Furthermore, many rounds incorporated some tones outside the diatonic to have stronger voice leading, which is a common device to move between chords. All in all, the combination of a clear guideline for composing, as well as the many samples where these rules are twisted by composers, made this exercise very interesting.
Round 1: I-V in F major
Round 2: I-IV-V-I in C major
