Fundamental structure

The Ursatz refers to the structure in pieces of tonal music in the reduction analysis of Heinrich Schenker. The Ursatz is the most reduced form of the representation of music.

In Schenker's theory of tonal each plant is a structure based on where it (see picture) or a Quintzug is usually a Terzzug. This structure can then be elaborated in various ways. As Urlinie is called the line of the upper voice alone, as Ursatz the Urlinie with the bass.