V7/ii

Definition

The v7/ii is a secondary dominant chord that functions as the dominant seventh chord of the supertonic (ii) in a given key. This chord leads to the ii chord, creating a temporary modulation and heightening harmonic interest within the progression. Understanding how this chord fits into the broader concept of secondary dominants helps illustrate its role in enhancing tension and resolution in music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The v7/ii chord is built on the fifth scale degree of the ii chord in a major key, making it a crucial element for modulating to the supertonic.
2. In harmonic notation, v7/ii indicates that it's a dominant seventh chord leading to the ii chord, providing a temporary feeling of resolution.
3. This chord is often used in progressions that enhance chromaticism and create rich harmonic movement, commonly appearing in classical and jazz compositions.
4. The notes in a v7/ii are typically derived from the key's diatonic scale, but can also include alterations to increase tension before resolving to ii.
5. Recognizing v7/ii in music can greatly enhance one's understanding of harmonic progression, especially when analyzing works from composers who frequently employed secondary dominants.

Review Questions

• How does the v7/ii function within a harmonic progression, and what effect does it have on musical tension?
  • The v7/ii functions as a secondary dominant that leads to the ii chord, creating a heightened sense of tension just before resolution. By establishing itself as the dominant seventh of ii, it builds anticipation for the upcoming chord change. This use of tension is effective in enriching harmonic progressions, allowing composers to explore more complex emotional landscapes within their music.
• Compare and contrast v7/ii with other secondary dominant chords. How do they differ in their functions and resolutions?
  • While all secondary dominant chords, including v7/ii, serve to momentarily tonicize a diatonic chord, their specific functions depend on which chord they lead into. For instance, v7/ii leads specifically to ii, whereas V7/vi would lead to vi. Each secondary dominant creates unique pathways of tension and resolution based on its relationship with its target chord. Understanding these differences allows composers and performers to effectively utilize various dominants in their music.
• Evaluate the importance of v7/ii in creating harmonic interest in compositions. How does its use affect overall musical structure?
  • The v7/ii plays a vital role in creating harmonic interest by introducing unexpected shifts and tensions that engage listeners. By effectively utilizing this secondary dominant, composers can add layers of complexity to their music, enhancing emotional depth and narrative flow. Its incorporation allows for more fluid transitions between chords and can significantly influence the overall structure of a piece by enabling smoother modulations and richer thematic development.

Related terms

Secondary Dominant: A chord that is the dominant of a diatonic chord other than the tonic, used to create tension and drive towards that target chord.

Dominant Seventh Chord: A four-note chord consisting of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, which typically resolves to the tonic.

Tonicization: The process of treating a chord other than the tonic as if it were the tonic through the use of a dominant or secondary dominant.