fundamental structure

In voice-leading analysis, the fundamental structure is the deepest level of harmonic organization in a tonal work. It consists of a two-part contrapuntal figure, the bass line consisting of the progression I–V–I, and the upper line consisting of the fundamental line of the piece, where the first note and the last two notes coincide with the bass. According to Heinrich Schenker's theory of tonal harmony, it is the presence of the fundamental structure in all well-formed tonal pieces which gives their tonal structure coherence and organic unity. See structural level.