Beyond “Three Blind Mice”: An Exemplar for “Day 1” of Schenkerian Analysis

Abstract

This document provides a lesson plan and examples for Day 1 of a Schenkerian analysis course. Beginning with tonic prolongation paradigms that provide the structure of a hypothetical soprano-bass framework, the lesson unlocks a hidden Beethoven masterpiece lurking within the counterpoint. The plan also highlights how many melodic notes are "higher" than the soprano as well as how the theory incorporates the notion of tonal hierarchy.