Pedal points

Definition

Pedal points are sustained or repeated notes, usually in the bass, that create a harmonic anchor while the harmonies above them change. This technique provides a sense of stability and can enhance melodic lines by contrasting with shifting chords. They play a significant role in establishing tonality and tension within a piece, often leading to resolutions or changes in harmony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pedal points typically occur on the tonic or dominant notes of a key, providing a strong harmonic foundation for melodies and chords above.
2. They can be used in various musical styles, from classical to modern, and are especially effective in creating tension and release.
3. When composing with pedal points, composers often manipulate the upper voices to explore different harmonies while keeping the pedal note constant.
4. Pedal points can be categorized into two types: stationary, where the note remains the same throughout, and changing, where the pedal note shifts but still maintains its role as an anchor.
5. The effectiveness of pedal points relies on their placement within the overall structure of a piece, as they must interact meaningfully with the surrounding harmonies.

Review Questions

• How do pedal points function within harmonic progressions, and what effect do they have on melodic lines?
  • Pedal points serve as harmonic anchors within chord progressions, often found on strong tonal centers like the tonic or dominant. By sustaining a single note while harmonies shift above, they create a stable foundation that contrasts with changing melodic lines. This contrast enhances the overall tension and resolution in the music, allowing for more expressive melodic development.
• In what ways can pedal points contribute to creating dissonance and resolution in a composition?
  • Pedal points can heighten dissonance by remaining constant while surrounding harmonies create tension against it. As new chords are introduced that do not initially align with the pedal note, listeners experience a sense of instability. This tension is typically resolved when harmonies realign with the pedal point, creating an impactful moment of release that enhances emotional depth in the composition.
• Evaluate the role of pedal points in different musical genres and how they might influence a composer’s approach to melody and harmony.
  • Pedal points play a versatile role across genres like classical, jazz, and contemporary music. In classical compositions, they often serve as foundational elements for building complex harmonic structures. In jazz, they might be used to establish a groove while allowing improvisation above. This versatility influences how composers approach melody and harmony; for example, they may choose to highlight certain chords or develop intricate melodic phrases that interact with the pedal point. The strategic use of pedal points ultimately shapes the emotional trajectory and textural richness of a piece.

Related terms

tonic:

The first note of a scale, serving as the home base for a piece of music and often the note on which pedal points are built.

dissonance: The quality of a combination of notes that sound unstable or tense, often resolved by moving to consonance, which can be emphasized through the use of pedal points.

harmonic progression: The sequence of chords in a piece of music, which can be dramatically influenced by the presence of a pedal point, creating contrast and depth.