Viio/ii

Definition

The viio/ii chord is a leading tone diminished chord that functions as a secondary leading tone chord resolving to the supertonic (ii) in a given key. This chord provides a sense of tension and leads the listener towards the ii chord, making it a crucial part of harmonic progressions and creating forward motion in music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The viio/ii chord is built on the seventh scale degree of the ii chord's key, creating a diminished triad with the notes derived from the ii chord.
2. This chord typically resolves to the ii chord, enhancing the harmonic progression by preparing the listener for a move to a more stable sound.
3. In functional harmony, viio/ii serves to enrich the progression by adding chromaticism and reinforcing the connection between chords.
4. The use of viio/ii is prevalent in classical compositions and can also be found in contemporary music, providing harmonic depth.
5. The vii diminished chord can be notated as 'B°' in the key of C major, where it resolves to D minor (the ii chord).

Review Questions

• How does the viio/ii chord function within harmonic progressions?
  • The viio/ii chord functions as a leading tone diminished chord that creates tension before resolving to the supertonic (ii) chord. This movement enhances the harmonic progression by providing a sense of direction and anticipation. By introducing chromaticism and connecting the vii degree directly to the ii degree, composers can create richer musical phrases that engage listeners.
• Discuss how understanding viio/ii contributes to a broader knowledge of secondary dominants in tonal music.
  • Understanding viio/ii is essential for grasping how secondary dominants operate within tonal music. Secondary dominants enhance harmonic interest by temporarily tonicizing diatonic chords other than the primary tonic. The viio/ii specifically prepares listeners for the ii chord, similar to how V7 prepares for I. Recognizing this connection helps musicians analyze and compose more complex harmonic progressions.
• Evaluate the role of viio/ii in different musical styles and how it influences compositional techniques.
  • The role of viio/ii varies across musical styles but remains an important tool for composers looking to add tension and resolution within their works. In classical music, it enhances voice leading and smooth transitions between harmonies. In jazz and contemporary styles, its use may diverge from traditional practices, allowing for greater improvisation and chromatic movement. This adaptability shows how understanding viio/ii enables composers to blend stylistic elements while maintaining coherence in their harmonic choices.

Related terms

Diminished Chord: A chord consisting of two minor thirds stacked on top of each other, often creating a tense or unstable sound.

Secondary Dominant: A dominant seventh chord that resolves to a diatonic chord other than the tonic, often labeled as V/ii when resolving to ii.

Leading Tone: The seventh scale degree in a diatonic scale, which creates tension and typically resolves to the tonic, acting as a strong pull toward resolution.