Altered dominant chord

Definition

An altered dominant chord is a dominant seventh chord that includes one or more altered scale degrees, typically the fifth or ninth. These alterations often introduce chromaticism into the harmony, creating tension and resolution that can enhance musical expression. Altered dominant chords play a crucial role in jazz and classical music, often leading to unexpected resolutions and enriching the harmonic landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Altered dominant chords are commonly used in jazz, often featuring alterations such as flat 9, sharp 9, flat 5, or sharp 5 to create richer harmonic textures.
2. In classical music, altered dominant chords are often employed to create harmonic surprises or to modulate to different keys within a composition.
3. The use of altered dominant chords is integral to the ii-V-I progression in jazz, where they add complexity and interest to this common progression.
4. Altered dominant chords can function as substitutes for regular dominant chords, allowing for greater flexibility in harmonic movement.
5. When resolving an altered dominant chord, composers often choose unexpected resolutions to create a unique musical experience that keeps the listener engaged.

Review Questions

• How do altered dominant chords enhance musical expression in compositions?
  • Altered dominant chords enhance musical expression by introducing chromatic tensions that create a sense of anticipation in the listener. These tensions arise from alterations like flat 9 or sharp 5, leading to surprising resolutions that enrich the harmonic narrative. The resulting dissonance followed by consonance captivates the audience, making the music more dynamic and engaging.
• What role do altered dominant chords play in jazz harmony compared to classical music?
  • In jazz harmony, altered dominant chords are essential for adding complexity and sophistication to chord progressions like ii-V-I. They allow musicians to explore rich harmonic textures and improvisational possibilities. In classical music, while also used for tension and surprise, altered dominants serve more structured functions within modulation and thematic development, often creating dramatic shifts in key or mood.
• Evaluate how the use of altered dominant chords can affect the overall structure of a musical piece.
  • The inclusion of altered dominant chords can significantly impact the overall structure of a musical piece by introducing unexpected harmonic shifts that challenge conventional resolutions. This strategic placement creates a narrative tension that invites listeners to anticipate resolution points. As composers use these alterations thoughtfully within progressions, they enhance emotional depth and contribute to the piece's overall character, ultimately influencing its pacing and dynamic range.

Related terms

Dominant Seventh Chord: A four-note chord consisting of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, forming the basis for altered dominant chords.

Chromaticism: The use of notes outside of the standard scale associated with a key, which can add color and tension to musical passages.

Tension and Resolution: A fundamental aspect of music where dissonant chords create a sense of instability (tension) that is resolved by consonant chords, often enhanced by altered dominant chords.