Tonicization

Definition

Tonicization refers to the process of temporarily treating a chord as the tonic or home chord in a piece of music, which creates a sense of brief resolution or stability before returning to the original key. This concept plays a significant role in harmony, allowing composers to introduce variety and tension by modulating to different chords that serve as temporary tonics, enhancing the overall emotional impact and complexity of the music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tonicization can occur through secondary dominants, which are dominant chords built on scale degrees other than the tonic that resolve to their corresponding diatonic chords.
2. When using iii as a tonicized chord, it often leads to a brighter sound due to its major quality and can create unexpected harmonic shifts.
3. Composers frequently use tonicization in conjunction with predominant seventh chords, establishing tension before resolution to the new temporary tonic.
4. In SATB voice leading, proper voice motion is crucial during tonicization, ensuring smooth transitions between chords while maintaining harmonic coherence.
5. Tonicization can also involve secondary leading tone chords, adding chromaticism and complexity by approaching the target chord from a half-step below.

Review Questions

• How does tonicization enhance the emotional impact of a musical piece?
  • Tonicization enhances emotional impact by introducing moments of tension and resolution that engage listeners. By temporarily treating certain chords as tonics, composers create a sense of movement and direction that contrasts with the established key center. This process can evoke various feelings, such as surprise or anticipation, making the overall listening experience more dynamic and compelling.
• Discuss how secondary dominants contribute to the concept of tonicization within harmonic progressions.
  • Secondary dominants play a crucial role in tonicization by providing a pathway to temporarily shift focus from the main tonic to other chords in the progression. When a secondary dominant resolves to its respective diatonic chord, it establishes that chord as the new tonal center, creating a sense of stability before returning to the original key. This technique adds richness to harmonic structures and allows for greater expression and exploration of musical ideas.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using iii as a target for tonicization and how it influences overall musical texture.
  • Using iii as a target for tonicization is highly effective in creating contrast and lightness in musical texture. The major quality of the iii chord introduces an uplifting feeling that can surprise listeners accustomed to more typical resolutions. By employing iii in this way, composers can explore non-traditional paths while enriching harmonic language, leading to fresh experiences that resonate with audiences and showcase their creativity.

Related terms

Secondary Dominant: A dominant chord that resolves to a chord other than the tonic, often used to tonicize a diatonic chord within the key.

Modal Interchange:

The practice of borrowing chords from a parallel mode to add color and contrast, which can also facilitate tonicization.

Subdominant Function:

The role of the subdominant chord (IV) in preparing for modulation or tonicization, often leading to dominant chords.