Irregular Resolution

Definition

Irregular resolution occurs when a secondary dominant chord does not resolve in the expected manner to its diatonic chord. Instead of leading smoothly to the tonic of the dominant key, it creates a moment of surprise or tension by resolving elsewhere or behaving unexpectedly. This phenomenon adds an element of complexity and interest to harmonic progressions, especially in the context of part writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Irregular resolutions often involve chromatic movement, where notes in the secondary dominant shift unexpectedly instead of adhering to diatonic relationships.
2. This technique can create tension and release in a composition, making it an effective tool for composers who want to surprise listeners.
3. Secondary dominants that resolve irregularly can lead to modal interchange, where chords from parallel modes are introduced into the progression.
4. Composers may use irregular resolution to emphasize specific emotional moments in their music, allowing for greater expressive depth.
5. In part writing, care must be taken with voice leading when using irregular resolutions, as they can lead to dissonances or unexpected leaps in individual parts.

Review Questions

• How does irregular resolution enhance the harmonic complexity of a piece?
  • Irregular resolution enhances harmonic complexity by introducing unexpected shifts and tensions within chord progressions. When a secondary dominant does not resolve to its expected diatonic chord, it creates surprise and keeps the listener engaged. This technique allows composers to explore new tonal areas and adds richness to the harmonic language, making music more dynamic and interesting.
• Discuss how irregular resolution can impact voice leading in part writing.
  • Irregular resolution can significantly impact voice leading in part writing by challenging traditional expectations of smooth transitions between chords. When secondary dominants resolve unexpectedly, voices may need to navigate dissonances or make larger leaps that could disrupt the overall flow. Composers must be mindful of maintaining clear lines and coherence among parts while still utilizing this technique for expressive purposes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using irregular resolutions in creating emotional depth within a composition.
  • The effectiveness of using irregular resolutions lies in their ability to evoke emotional responses through surprise and tension. By defying traditional harmonic expectations, composers can heighten moments of drama or introspection, drawing listeners deeper into the music's emotional landscape. Irregular resolutions allow for exploration beyond typical diatonic confines, creating opportunities for unique harmonic experiences that resonate powerfully with audiences.

Related terms

Secondary Dominant: A secondary dominant is a dominant seventh chord that temporarily tonicizes a chord other than the tonic in a key, leading to a brief modulation within the progression.

Diatonic Harmony: Diatonic harmony refers to chords built from the notes of a specific key, adhering to the scale degrees defined by that key.

Voice Leading:

Voice leading is the smooth and logical movement of individual musical lines or voices from one chord to the next, ensuring that the transitions between chords are musically coherent.