Tonicization through Secondary Dominant Chords

Definition

Tonicization through secondary dominant chords occurs when a chord that is the dominant of a chord other than the tonic is used to temporarily create a sense of 'tonic' for that chord within a piece. This technique enhances harmonic movement and adds richness to the tonal structure, often leading to a resolution that makes the original tonic feel more established. By introducing these secondary dominants, composers can explore various harmonic areas while maintaining a connection to the primary key.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary dominant chords are labeled as V/x, where 'x' represents the chord being tonicized.
2. The use of secondary dominants can make a modulation to closely related keys smoother and more fluid.
3. Common secondary dominants include V7/ii, V7/iii, V7/IV, and V7/V, each targeting different diatonic chords.
4. Tonicization creates temporary tonal centers that allow composers to explore harmonic diversity without fully changing the key.
5. The resolution of a secondary dominant often leads back to the tonic or another stable chord, reinforcing the overall tonal hierarchy.

Review Questions

• How does tonicization through secondary dominant chords enhance harmonic movement within a piece?
  • Tonicization through secondary dominant chords enhances harmonic movement by introducing temporary tonal centers that divert from the primary tonic. This creates a richer harmonic landscape as it allows for exploration of related keys and chords while still feeling connected to the main key. The temporary establishment of these new tonics gives composers the flexibility to develop musical ideas and add tension before resolving back to the original tonic.
• Compare and contrast the function of secondary dominants with modal interchange in enhancing harmonic texture.
  • Secondary dominants primarily serve to tonicize diatonic chords by temporarily establishing them as tonal centers through their dominant relationships. In contrast, modal interchange introduces colors by borrowing chords from parallel modes without necessarily emphasizing any one chord's tonic function. While both techniques enrich harmonic texture, secondary dominants maintain a clear functional relationship within the original key, whereas modal interchange creates shifts that can alter the overall tonal direction and character.
• Evaluate the impact of tonicization through secondary dominant chords on overall musical form and listener perception.
  • Tonicization through secondary dominant chords significantly impacts musical form and listener perception by creating moments of heightened tension and resolution. This technique draws listeners' attention away from the primary key, generating interest as they anticipate the eventual return to the tonic. The resulting shifts can create dynamic contrasts and emotional depth within a piece, reinforcing thematic material while also contributing to structural coherence. Ultimately, this enriches the listening experience by weaving together complexity and familiarity in tonal relationships.

Related terms

Dominant Seventh Chord:

A dominant seventh chord consists of a major triad and a minor seventh, often functioning as the V chord in a key, creating strong resolution tendencies.

Modal Interchange:

Modal interchange refers to borrowing chords from parallel modes, which can alter the harmonic landscape and introduce unique colors to a progression.

Functional Harmony: Functional harmony is the use of chords that have specific roles within a progression, emphasizing their relationships and resolutions to create coherent musical phrases.