Secondary leading-tone chords

Definition

Secondary leading-tone chords are diminished chords built on the seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale, functioning as a predominant chord that leads to a primary chord. These chords create tension and resolve to a more stable chord, often used to add interest and variety to harmonic progressions. They play an important role in modulation by facilitating movement between keys.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary leading-tone chords are often notated with the symbol 'vii°' when indicating they are built on the leading tone of the scale related to the target chord.
2. These chords typically resolve to the tonic of the key they are leading into, making them effective for smooth transitions in harmonic progressions.
3. They are frequently used in jazz and classical music to enhance modulation, providing chromatic movement that enriches the overall sound.
4. In tonal harmony, secondary leading-tone chords can lead to other secondary dominants or primary chords, adding complexity and color to compositions.
5. The use of secondary leading-tone chords can create unexpected shifts in mood and tension, often surprising listeners with their resolution.

Review Questions

• How do secondary leading-tone chords function within a harmonic progression?
  • Secondary leading-tone chords function as predominant chords that create tension leading into primary chords, particularly the tonic of a closely related key. By being built on the seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale, they set up a strong resolution when they move to their target chord. This process adds richness to harmonic progressions and allows composers to manipulate tension and release effectively.
• Discuss how secondary leading-tone chords can facilitate modulation between keys.
  • Secondary leading-tone chords facilitate modulation by providing smooth transitional pathways between keys. When these chords are introduced, they can lead directly into the tonic of the new key, creating a seamless shift in harmony. Their dissonant nature builds tension that resolves into stable chords in the new key, effectively bridging different tonal areas within a piece.
• Evaluate the impact of secondary leading-tone chords on listener perception and emotional response in musical works.
  • Secondary leading-tone chords significantly influence listener perception and emotional response by introducing unexpected tensions and resolutions. These chords can create feelings of suspense and anticipation as they lead to satisfying resolutions in harmonically rich contexts. By employing these chords, composers can craft moments of surprise or drama, enhancing the overall emotional narrative of their music.

Related terms

Diminished chord: A diminished chord is a triad made up of two minor thirds stacked on top of each other, creating a dissonant sound that typically seeks resolution.

Modulation: Modulation is the process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music, often involving transitions that create harmonic movement.

Dominant seventh chord: A dominant seventh chord consists of a major triad and a minor seventh above the root, functioning as a strong resolution chord that typically leads back to the tonic.