What Is a Long Comma?

A term coined by Robert O. Gjerdingen.

A Long Comma is a variant of the Comma where ⑥ precedes ⑦. Its usual melody is a ➍–➌ or ➎–➍–➌ snippet. In the latter case, ➎ acts as a suspension (or a non-essential dissonance) above ⑥ and must be prepared.

See also Clausulæ.

See also Comma.

See also Corelli Long Comma.

Select Bibliography

Gjerdingen, Robert O. Music in the Galant Style (New York: Oxford University Press, 2007).