Subdominant

Definition

The subdominant is the fourth scale degree of a diatonic scale and serves as an important functional harmony in Western music. It plays a pivotal role in creating tension and resolution within a musical piece, often leading to the dominant chord, which is the fifth scale degree. The subdominant is significant in establishing the overall tonal center and is utilized frequently in chord progressions to enhance the sense of movement within a composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The subdominant chord is typically built on the fourth degree of the scale and can be major or minor depending on the key.
2. In traditional harmony, the progression from subdominant to dominant creates a strong sense of forward motion, often leading back to the tonic.
3. The use of the subdominant in modulation allows composers to explore different keys while maintaining coherence in their harmonic structure.
4. Baroque composers often employed the subdominant as part of their harmonic vocabulary, enhancing their musical language.
5. The subdominant's role expands beyond functional harmony, as it can be used melodically to create interesting phrases in compositions.

Review Questions

• How does the subdominant function within chord progressions in Western music?
  • The subdominant functions as a critical link in chord progressions by leading towards the dominant chord, creating tension that enhances resolution when returning to the tonic. This progression often goes from the subdominant (IV) to dominant (V), emphasizing harmonic movement and establishing a strong sense of direction in a piece. By facilitating this transition, the subdominant helps composers create dynamic and engaging musical narratives.
• Discuss how Rameau's theories contributed to our understanding of the subdominant in functional harmony.
  • Rameau's theories on functional harmony highlighted the importance of chord relationships, specifically outlining how the subdominant serves as a preparatory chord for the dominant. He categorized chords based on their functions within tonal music and emphasized how subdominants lead naturally to dominants, enriching harmonic progressions. This systematic approach allowed future composers to understand better and utilize the subdominant effectively within their works, laying foundational concepts still relevant in music theory today.
• Evaluate the impact of the subdominant's use in Baroque compositions on later musical styles and genres.
  • The use of the subdominant in Baroque compositions had a lasting impact on later musical styles by establishing a rich harmonic framework that informed classical and romantic periods. Its role in creating tension and leading to resolution influenced composers' approaches across genres, promoting more complex harmonic relationships. As music evolved, the foundational principles established by Baroque composers regarding the subdominant continued to inform harmonic exploration, leading to innovative developments in jazz, pop, and other contemporary forms.

Related terms

Diatonic Scale: A seven-note scale that includes five whole steps and two half steps, forming the basis for most Western music.

Tonic:

The first scale degree of a diatonic scale, serving as the home note or tonal center of a key.

Dominant: The fifth scale degree of a diatonic scale, which creates strong tension that resolves back to the tonic.