Tonic and dominant keys

Definition

Tonic and dominant keys refer to the primary tonal centers in a piece of music, with the tonic being the home chord or key that feels most resolved and stable, while the dominant is the chord or key that creates tension, leading back to the tonic. The relationship between these keys is essential for establishing tonal structure and progression within music. Understanding how these keys interact allows composers and musicians to create tension and resolution, shaping the overall emotional experience of a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tonic key is often labeled with a Roman numeral I in harmonic analysis, while the dominant key is labeled V.
2. In tonal music, the dominant chord creates a sense of tension that seeks resolution back to the tonic, making it a crucial element in establishing musical phrases.
3. Tonicization occurs when a chord other than the tonic is temporarily treated as the tonic through a secondary dominant chord.
4. The most common secondary dominant is V/V, which leads to the dominant of the original key, temporarily shifting the tonal focus before resolving back to the original tonic.
5. The interplay between tonic and dominant keys can influence the emotional quality of music, where tension from the dominant leads to satisfaction upon returning to the tonic.

Review Questions

• How do tonic and dominant keys contribute to creating tension and resolution in a piece of music?
  • Tonic and dominant keys are fundamental in establishing a sense of tension and resolution in music. The dominant key introduces tension through its pull towards resolution, making it a critical component in musical phrases. When a piece moves from the dominant back to the tonic, it creates a satisfying resolution that is essential for maintaining listener engagement and emotional response.
• What role does tonicization play in expanding harmonic possibilities within a musical composition?
  • Tonicization allows composers to temporarily emphasize chords other than the home tonic by treating them as if they were the tonic. This can be achieved using secondary dominant chords that lead to these newly emphasized chords. By incorporating tonicization, composers enrich harmonic progression and create more dynamic contrasts within their compositions, enhancing overall musical interest.
• Evaluate how understanding tonic and dominant keys can impact a musician's approach to improvisation and composition.
  • Understanding tonic and dominant keys is crucial for musicians as it informs their improvisation and composition strategies. By recognizing how these keys function together, musicians can effectively build tension with dominant chords before resolving back to the tonic. This knowledge allows for more expressive playing and composition techniques, enabling musicians to craft compelling musical narratives that resonate with audiences by manipulating tension and resolution.

Related terms

Tonic Chord:

The chord built on the first scale degree of a key, which serves as the central point of rest and resolution.

Dominant Seventh Chord:

A four-note chord built on the fifth scale degree, often containing a minor seventh interval, which typically resolves to the tonic.

Functional Harmony: A system of harmony that focuses on the relationships and functions of chords within a key, primarily emphasizing the roles of tonic, dominant, and subdominant.