roman numeral

(noun)

A numeral represented using a Roman system involving the letters I, V, X, L, C, D, and M.

Related Terms

Examples of roman numeral in the following topics:

  • Harmonies (Roman Numerals and Functional Bass) by Bass Scale Degree

  • Generating Roman Numerals from a Figured Bass Line

    • In other words, this will help you perform a Roman numeral analysis of a figured bass line.
    • Note that on the charts below, generic capital Roman numerals are provided.
    • If do is in the bass, the bass is scale-degree 1, and the Roman numeral is I.
    • If re is in the bass, the Roman numeral is II.
    • If mi is in the bass, and the figure is "6", the root is do, and the Roman numeral is I.

  • Chromatically Altered Subdominant Chords

    • In a Roman numeral analysis, N.
    • In a Roman numeral analysis, It. replaces a Roman numeral.
    • In a Roman numeral analysis, Fr. replaces a Roman numeral.
    • In a Roman numeral analysis, Ger. replaces a Roman numeral.
    • In a Roman numeral analysis, Sw. replaces a Roman numeral.

  • Modal Mixture

    • If the bass note is chromatically altered, that must be reflected in the functional bass with a plus or minus before the numeral (as well as the square brackets).
    • When the root of a borrowed chord belongs to the home key (e.g., using an E-minor chord instead of an E-major chord), the Roman numeral remains the same, since the Roman numeral simply represents the scale-degree of the chordal root.
    • If chord quality is reflected in the Roman numeral, then adjustments must be made to ensure that the borrowed chord's quality is reflected.
    • For example, if a piece in minor ends with a Picardy third (a major tonic triad), the Roman numeral is I instead of i.
    • If the root is altered relative to the home key, use a flat or sharp in front of the Roman numeral to designate the alteration: flat to designate lowered (that is, a semitone below normal), sharp to designate raised (a semitone above normal).

  • The Period

    • In a Roman numeral analysis, N6 substitutes for a Roman numeral (that is, it is not a flat-II chord).
    • In a Roman numeral analysis, just It. will do.
    • In a Roman numeral analysis, just Fr. will do.
    • In a Roman numeral analysis, just Ger. will do.
    • In a Roman numeral analysis, just Sw. will do.

  • External Expansions

    • If the bass note is chromatically altered, that must be reflected in the functional bass with a plus or minus before the numeral (as well as the square brackets).
    • When the root of a borrowed chord belongs to the home key (e.g., using an E-minor chord instead of an E-major chord), the Roman numeral remains the same, since the Roman numeral simply represents the scale-degree of the chordal root.
    • For example, if a piece in minor ends with a Picardy third (a major tonic triad), the Roman numeral is still I.
    • If the root is altered relative to the home key, use a flat or sharp in front of the Roman numeral to designate the alteration: flat to designate lowered (that is, a semitone below normal), sharp to designate raised (a semitone above normal).

  • Basic Triads in Major Keys

    • (We'll just discuss basic triads for the moment, not seventh chords or other added-note or altered chords. ) The chords are numbered using Roman numerals from I to vii.
    • Roman numerals are used to number the chords.
    • Capital Roman numerals are used for major chords and small Roman numerals for minor chords.
    • The diminished chord is in small Roman numerals followed by a small circle.

  • The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

    • The Fall of the Western Roman Empire was the period of decline in the Western Roman Empire in which it disintegrated and split into numerous successor states.
    • The Fall of the Western Roman Empire was the process of decline in the Western Roman Empire in which it failed to enforce its rule, and its vast territory was divided into several successor polities.
    • It is important to note, however, that the so-called fall of the Roman Empire specifically refers to the fall of the Western Roman Empire, since the Eastern Roman Empire, or what became known as the Byzantine Empire, whose capital was founded by Constantine, remained for another 1000 years.
    • Although Roman political authority in the West was lost, Roman culture would last in most parts of the former Western provinces into the 6th century and beyond.
    • Analyze, broadly, the causes of the fall of the Roman Empire.

  • Roman Society

    • In private and public life, Romans were guided by the mos maiorum, an unwritten code from which the ancient Romans derived their social norms that affected all aspects of life in ancient Rome.
    • Colonists enjoyed full Roman citizenship and were thus extensions of Rome itself.
    • The Roman people considered themselves to be very religious.
    • The Roman pantheon corresponded to the Etruscan and Greek deities.
    • The Romans were not exclusive in the religious practices and easily participated in numerous rituals for different gods.

  • Rise of the Holy Roman Empire

    • The formation of the Holy Roman Empire was initiated by Charlemagne's coronation as "Emperor of the Romans" in 800, and consolidated by Otto I when he was crowned emperor in 962 by Pope John XII.
    • The largest territory of the empire after 962 was Eastern Francia, though it also came to include the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Kingdom of Burgundy, the Kingdom of Italy, and numerous other territories.
    • In 800, Pope Leo III crowned the Frankish king Charlemagne Emperor of the Romans, reviving the title in Western Europe after more than three centuries.
    • Otto transformed the Roman Catholic Church in Germany to strengthen the royal office and subjected its clergy to his personal control.
    • Otto II succeeded him as Holy Roman Emperor.