Harmonic Surprises in All I Want for Christmas is You - Composer Insights

The video explores three harmonic surprises in Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'. It discusses how borrowed chords from parallel keys, enharmonic notes, and unusual chord resolutions can add unique twists to a song, making it more engaging and distinctive. These techniques can transform a predictable song into a memorable hit by providing emotional lifts and individual character.

What is the main purpose of exploring harmonic surprises in songwriting?

• To simplify the songwriting process

• To make a song sound more traditional

• To add unique twists and turns to a song

• To use fewer chords in a song

What is a borrowed chord in the context of harmonic surprises?

• A chord borrowed from the parallel key

• A chord borrowed from a different genre

• A chord borrowed from another song

• A chord borrowed from the relative key

How does the use of enharmonic notes affect a song?

• It makes the song faster

• It makes the song sound out of tune

• It changes the harmonic color of the song

• It simplifies the melody

What is an enharmonic note?

• A note that sounds different but looks the same

• A note that sounds the same but looks different

• A note that is always sharp

• A note that is always flat

What is the effect of using a second inversion chord unexpectedly?

• It creates a predictable resolution

• It adds stability to the harmony

• It introduces a harmonic surprise

• It simplifies the chord progression

What is a secondary dominant?

• A dominant chord that is used in jazz music

• A dominant chord that does not resolve

• A dominant chord that resolves to a chord in another key

• A dominant chord that resolves to the tonic in the same key

How can secondary dominants add color to a song?

• By removing all tension from the song

• By resolving to a chord in the original key

• By making the song sound more traditional

• By making the song sound more monotonous

What is the role of the base movement in the unexpected chord usage?

• It adds more complexity to the melody

• It makes the song sound faster

• It creates a dissonant sound

• It smooths over the transition

Why is it important to use harmonic surprises in songwriting?

• To give the song a unique character

• To make the song sound more like other songs

• To reduce the number of chords used

• To make the song easier to play

What is the potential benefit of using harmonic surprises in a song?

• It can turn a good song into a great song

• It can make the song sound outdated

• It can make the song less popular

• It can make the song harder to understand