Dominant of the Dominant (V/V)

Definition

The Dominant of the Dominant (V/V) is a secondary dominant chord that targets the dominant chord of the key, creating tension that resolves to the dominant. This concept allows for greater harmonic richness and leads to a strong resolution when moving to the primary dominant chord (V) in the home key. By using V/V, composers can effectively enhance the progression and add excitement to their music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. V/V is built on the fifth scale degree of the dominant chord in the key, which means if you are in C major, V/V would be D7 leading to G major (the dominant).
2. When writing V/V, it typically contains a major triad with an added minor seventh, providing a strong pull toward the next chord.
3. In part writing, make sure to resolve the V/V to the primary dominant (V) by moving each voice smoothly, often by step.
4. V/V can appear in various contexts, such as modulation or introducing new harmonic ideas within a phrase.
5. Using V/V can help create a stronger sense of forward motion in a piece, making transitions between chords feel more dynamic.

Review Questions

• How does the use of V/V enhance harmonic progressions in music composition?
  • The use of V/V enhances harmonic progressions by introducing tension that resolves strongly to the primary dominant chord (V). This secondary dominant creates a feeling of movement and anticipation, enriching the overall harmonic landscape. Composers leverage this effect to maintain listener interest and build emotional intensity within their works.
• Discuss how part writing for V/V differs from standard triadic writing and what specific considerations should be taken into account.
  • Part writing for V/V involves special considerations due to its role as a secondary dominant. Unlike standard triadic writing that may emphasize stability, V/V introduces tension through its dominant function. Voice leading is crucial; ensure smooth transitions by typically resolving downwards by step from the seventh of V/V to the root of V, and maintain proper spacing between voices to preserve harmony.
• Evaluate how effective use of V/V contributes to the overall structure and emotional impact of a musical piece.
  • Effective use of V/V contributes significantly to both the structure and emotional impact of a piece by heightening drama through unexpected resolutions. It serves as a tool for composers to guide listeners through varied emotional landscapes by establishing strong anticipatory moments before resolution. By strategically placing V/V within progressions, composers create climactic points that enhance thematic development and keep listeners engaged throughout.

Related terms

Secondary Dominant: A chord that functions as a dominant to a chord other than the tonic, temporarily tonicizing that chord.

Dominant Chord: The fifth scale degree chord in a key, which creates a strong sense of tension and typically resolves to the tonic.

Tonicization:

The process of temporarily emphasizing a chord as if it were the tonic, often achieved through the use of secondary dominants.