Tonic function

Definition

Tonic function refers to the role of the tonic chord as the central point of resolution and stability in a tonal system. It serves as the home base, creating a sense of rest and fulfillment, while other chords create tension that resolves back to it. In the context of altered chords and chromatic mediants, tonic function can be expanded or altered, providing composers with more expressive harmonic possibilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tonic function provides a strong sense of resolution in music, often felt at the end of phrases or sections.
2. Altered chords can modify how tonic function is perceived, allowing composers to use chromaticism for expressive effects.
3. In some contexts, chromatic mediants can serve as substitutes for traditional tonic chords, expanding harmonic vocabulary.
4. The relationship between tonic function and dominant function is essential in establishing tension and resolution within a piece.
5. Tonic function is not limited to major keys; it can also manifest in minor keys, where the tonic still acts as the primary point of resolution.

Review Questions

• How does tonic function contribute to the overall structure of a musical piece?
  • Tonic function acts as the anchor for a musical piece, providing a stable point around which other chords revolve. It creates a sense of home, allowing listeners to experience tension and resolution as other chords lead back to it. This structure helps define phrases and sections, giving music its emotional shape and coherence.
• In what ways can altered chords affect the perception of tonic function within a composition?
  • Altered chords can create new textures and colors that shift how tonic function is perceived. By introducing unexpected harmonic elements, these chords can enhance or obscure the feeling of resolution typically associated with the tonic. This leads to more complex emotional expressions and allows composers to explore different pathways back to the tonic.
• Evaluate how the use of chromatic mediants can transform traditional concepts of tonic function in modern compositions.
  • The use of chromatic mediants challenges traditional notions of tonic function by allowing composers to incorporate non-diatonic chords that create fresh harmonic relationships. By using these chords, composers can surprise listeners and provide new ways to approach resolution, making the concept of 'home' more fluid and dynamic. This transformation encourages innovative structures in modern compositions, pushing boundaries beyond classical tonal expectations.

Related terms

tonic chord: The first chord in a scale that establishes the key; it is built on the first degree of the scale.

dominant function: The role of the dominant chord in creating tension that typically resolves to the tonic, often serving as a leading force in harmonic progressions.

chromatic mediants: Chords that are related by a third but do not share any common tones; they can create surprising harmonic shifts and new relationships to the tonic.