Second Year Harmony " by William Lovelock is a key text for music theory students, focusing on expanding their harmonic vocabulary beyond basic triads. It is the second book in his three-part series on harmonic resource, intended to build upon the foundation established in "First Year Harmony". Key Concepts and Content
The text typically covers the following intermediate harmonic topics:
Advanced Seventh Chords: Construction, function, and resolution of chords like the supertonic seventh ( ii7i i to the seventh power ), subdominant seventh ( IV7cap I cap V to the seventh power ), and superdominant seventh ( vi7v i to the seventh power
Chromatic Alterations: Introduction to non-diatonic notes and more expressive musical compositions.
Augmented Sixth Chords: Detailed study of these distinctive chords and their usage in different musical contexts.
Ornamentation: Focus on "decoration" and embellishments that enrich harmonic structures.
Voice Leading: Progression from close position harmonies to open position arrangements. Pedagogical Approach second year harmony william lovelock pdf new
Lovelock's method emphasizes not just how to use these chords, but when to use them based on melodic implications. The book includes:
Practical Application: Abundant exercises in tone study and bass harmonization to move beyond pure theory.
Analysis: Tools to help students interpret and analyze complex harmonic structures in existing music. Where to Find It
While the complete text is approximately 131–136 pages long, you can find various editions through these platforms: SECOND YEAR HARMONY complete William Lovelock
While William Lovelock's Second Year Harmony is a widely recognized music theory textbook , a "new" official PDF release is not currently available for free legal download due to its copyright status, which is protected until 2056 . Accessing the Text
Borrowing Online: You can check for digital loan availability on Open Library, which lists several editions of the book . Second Year Harmony " by William Lovelock is
Physical and Digital Purchase: The book remains in print through Hammond Textbooks and is sometimes listed on Amazon .
Related Materials: Other levels in the series, such as First Year Harmony and Third Year Harmony, are available for viewing or limited borrowing on the Internet Archive . Overview of Content
The book serves as a practical guide for intermediate students, focusing on the application and decoration of harmonic resources . Key topics include:
Advanced Chords: Exploration of chromaticism, chromatic alterations, and chords of the augmented sixth .
Harmonic Analysis: Guidance on modulation, inversions, and cadences .
Practical Exercises: Includes numerous examples and exercises designed to equip students for creating richer musical compositions . William Lovelock Second Year Harmony Pdf - Facebook Concise rules followed by numerous short exercises
Lovelock’s second-year harmony remains a masterclass in tonal pedagogy, particularly for students aiming to master classical chromaticism. While its focus is historical, its systematic approach to voice leading and modulatory techniques makes it indispensable for conservatory training. For contemporary musicians, pairing it with modern texts (e.g., Tonal Harmony or Harmonic Practice in Tonal Music) ensures a well-rounded understanding of both tradition and innovation.
If you’re struggling with the density of the text or the lack of digital resources, consider supplementing it with video lectures (e.g., from Yale’s Open Courses) or interactive platforms like Music Theory.net for hands-on application. The PDF format is practical for portability but may require cross-referencing with other materials for full comprehension.
Here is the proper story regarding the book, its status, and how to find a legitimate copy.
Ironically, buying a physical vintage copy (often for $15–$40) and scanning it gives you the truest "new" digital copy—no watermarks, no missing pages, and full control over quality.
This book is the bridge between basic diatonic harmony and the chromatic language of the Romantic era. A typical syllabus for Second Year Harmony (Grade 6-7 AMEB/ABRSM level) includes:
Lovelock’s genius was in the exercise design. Each exercise forces you to use the specific chord of the chapter, cementing aural and tactile understanding at the keyboard or on manuscript paper.
The Internet Archive sometimes hosts scanned copies of Lovelock’s works under controlled digital lending (CDL). You can “borrow” the book for one hour at a time. While not a "new" PDF you can download permanently, the scans are often high-resolution institutional copies.
William Lovelock’s Second Year Harmony is a mid-20th-century practical harmony textbook aimed at conservatoire/college students progressing beyond basic harmony into more advanced diatonic and chromatic techniques. It focuses on voice-leading, chord function, modulation, seventh chords, chromatic harmonies, and part-writing practice typical of British/European conservatory syllabuses of that era.