Neapolitan Sixth

Definition

The Neapolitan sixth is a type of altered chord built on the lowered second scale degree, typically in first inversion. It is commonly used in harmonic progressions to create a sense of tension and resolution, particularly in conjunction with the dominant chord. This chord is notable for its unique sound and its ability to connect different keys, often serving as a chromatic mediant in various contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Neapolitan sixth is usually written as N6 and consists of the flattened second, the fourth, and the sixth scale degrees of the key.
2. This chord is primarily used in major keys but can also appear in minor keys with some variations.
3. In classical harmony, the Neapolitan sixth often resolves to the dominant chord (V) or can lead directly to the tonic (I).
4. It has a distinctive sound that evokes a rich, dark quality due to its unique intervallic structure.
5. The Neapolitan sixth is frequently found in operatic and romantic compositions, where composers exploit its expressive qualities.

Review Questions

• How does the Neapolitan sixth function within harmonic progressions, particularly in relation to dominant chords?
  • The Neapolitan sixth functions as an altered chord that creates tension before resolving to a dominant chord. When it appears in first inversion, with the bass note being the flattened second scale degree, it sets up a compelling progression towards the V7 chord. This resolution enhances the overall harmonic movement and supports the dramatic tension often desired in musical compositions.
• Discuss the role of the Neapolitan sixth in modulation and chromatic mediant relationships.
  • The Neapolitan sixth plays an important role in modulation due to its chromatic nature and its unique positioning within various keys. As it contains altered notes that do not conform strictly to the diatonic framework, it can act as a bridge between closely related keys or more distant ones through chromatic mediants. This capability allows composers to expand their harmonic palette while maintaining coherence within their music.
• Evaluate how composers have utilized the Neapolitan sixth to enhance emotional expression in their works during the Romantic era.
  • During the Romantic era, composers increasingly turned to chords like the Neapolitan sixth to evoke deeper emotional responses in their music. By employing this altered chord, they could create moments of heightened tension followed by dramatic resolutions, enhancing the overall narrative quality of their compositions. This approach allowed for greater expressivity and complexity in their harmonic language, transforming how emotional content was conveyed through music.

Related terms

Chromatic Mediant: A chromatic mediant is a relationship between two chords whose roots are a third apart, and which have at least one common tone, often involving altered or non-diatonic notes.

Diatonic Chord: A diatonic chord is a chord that is built using only the notes from a specific scale, adhering strictly to the notes within that key.

V7 Chord: A V7 chord is a dominant seventh chord built on the fifth scale degree, which typically resolves to the tonic and creates strong harmonic tension.