Description
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“PRN,” in this case, has numerous meanings. “P,” “R,” and “N” refer to types of harmonic progression within Hugo Riemann’s theoretical system. Starting from a given triad, “P” moves to the parallel major/minor triad, “R” goes to the relative major/minor triad, and “N,” if the previous chord was major goes to the minor subdominant and, if minor, goes to the major dominant. These relationships are exploited as the fundamental harmonic and melodic building blocks of the piece.
Rhythmically, the “PRN” is regarded alphabetically. “P” is the 16th letter of the alphabet, “R” the 18th, and “N” the 14th letter. The distance from “P” to “R” is two letters and the distance from “R” to “N” is five letters. Taken with the difference between the two relationships (three), these are used to determine rhythm metric and proportional fashions.
“PRN” also refers to the medical term “pro re nata,” or “take as needed.” As a nurse, PRN medications are a common encounter and serves in this case as a nod to my other professional vocation and my passion for healing.