Vienna by Billy Joel is written in B Major, featuring an unusual chord progression composed of both authentic cadences: I and VI; additionally, each verse and chorus end with an V-i authentic cadence to complete each verse or chorus.
Verse 1: Gm
Verse 2 typically builds musical energy through increased instrumentation, backing vocals and production-related choices; this combines with lyrics to build anticipation for the Chorus.
Importantly, musical energy doesn’t flow smoothly; rather it rises and falls with Choruses and Bridges – making a good verse-chorus structure especially effective.
Verse 2: C
While Joel’s other songs feature more advanced chord progressions, this tune remains easy for beginners to play and can help develop strumming skills.
These agential pitches of what should have been an augmented sixth sonority deviate from their respective semitone pathways down to G and up to A; this final enharmonic shift marks the completion of a four-step process.
Verse 4: C
Vienna by Billy Joel is an iconic song written in B Major – one of the more frequently occurring Major keys, and 13th overall. According to Theorytab’s analysis, its composition has greater complexity than your typical tune.
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Verse 8: C
This song is composed in B Major and offers more complex chord-melody tension and chord-bass Melody tension than most songs, as well as being slower than normal. Please use it solely for educational purposes and contact Khmerchords with any inquiries or feedback – we welcome them all! To download this arrangement click here.
Verse 10: C
Joel’s songwriting ability shines through in this captivating ballad. The simple melody accentuates its lyrics which express unconditional love for an intriguing woman.
This ambitious track from Joel’s breakthrough album unfolds like an Abbey Road-esque medley, combining doo-wop with 1950s rock n’ roll for an impressively mature performance by Joel. Never has his music sounded better.