Dominant function

Definition

The dominant function refers to the role of the dominant chord in harmony, which is to create tension that typically resolves to the tonic chord. This tension and resolution are fundamental in establishing a sense of stability and direction in music. The dominant function is essential for understanding harmonic progressions, including secondary dominants and altered chords, as it emphasizes the relationship between chords and their roles in tonal centers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant function is typically represented by the V chord, which resolves to the I chord in traditional tonal music.
2. Secondary dominants are used to temporarily tonicize a chord other than the tonic by treating it as if it were the tonic, thereby intensifying its dominant function.
3. Altered chords can include modified tensions within the dominant chord, enhancing its ability to create tension before resolving.
4. The leading tone chord, often represented by vii° or vii7, serves a similar purpose by leading into the tonic, functioning as a diminished or half-diminished chord with a strong pull toward resolution.
5. The dominant function plays a crucial role in modulation, allowing composers to shift from one key to another smoothly.

Review Questions

• How does the dominant function contribute to the overall harmonic structure of a piece of music?
  • The dominant function creates tension through its chords, primarily the V chord, which strongly resolves to the tonic chord (I). This tension and release establish a sense of direction within a piece, guiding listeners through harmonic progressions. By emphasizing this relationship between chords, composers can craft engaging musical narratives that lead effectively back to stability.
• In what ways do secondary dominants expand on the concept of dominant function in music composition?
  • Secondary dominants enhance the dominant function by temporarily shifting the tonal center to other diatonic chords. By treating these chords as if they were tonics, composers can use secondary dominants to create surprising resolutions that maintain listener interest. This technique broadens harmonic vocabulary and allows for more complex progressions while still adhering to the core principles of tension and resolution.
• Evaluate how altered chords interact with dominant function and impact musical resolution in composition.
  • Altered chords interact with the dominant function by adding modified tensions, such as raised or lowered scale degrees, which heighten the feeling of urgency before resolving. These alterations can make the resolution to the tonic feel even more satisfying due to increased tension. This intricate relationship between altered chords and dominant function not only enriches harmonic texture but also enhances emotional expression in music, allowing composers to convey nuanced feelings through resolution.

Related terms

Tonic: The tonic is the first scale degree of a key and serves as the home base or point of resolution for musical phrases.

Subdominant:

The subdominant is the fourth scale degree of a key, which often leads to the dominant and provides a sense of movement away from the tonic.

Diatonic Chords: Diatonic chords are built from the notes within a given scale and follow the natural harmonic relationships of that key.