harmonic rhythm

The rhythm of harmonic change. For most tonal music, the variety of harmonic rhythm is of considerable importance to the musical effect. Thus it may be noted, for instance, that in many simple melodies of the classical era the harmonic rhythm speeds up towards the cadence: the faster chord changes at that point help to clarify the end of the phrase. Another example might be the moment before the recapitulation in sonata-form movements (sometimes called the ‘retransition’): here the harmonic rhythm often slows down to a standstill, normally on the dominant, thus not only increasing the tension but allowing for a sudden change in harmonic rhythm at the moment of recapitulation.