Secondary dominants are chords that act as a dominant (V) to a chord other than the tonic, creating harmonic tension that resolves to the target chord. This concept enhances the harmonic vocabulary in music, allowing composers to explore more complex and colorful progressions while providing pathways to create interest and momentum within a piece.
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Secondary dominants are usually notated with a 'V/x' symbol, where 'x' represents the target chord being tonicized.
They can create moments of surprise and tension by introducing unexpected resolutions within a harmonic progression.
Secondary dominants can be used to temporarily shift the tonal center, which enhances emotional expression in music.
When using secondary dominants, composers often resolve them to the corresponding major or minor chord they are targeting, reinforcing the sense of movement.
Commonly used secondary dominants include the V7/ii (dominant of ii) and V7/vi (dominant of vi) in diatonic harmony.
Review Questions
How do secondary dominants contribute to harmonic tension and resolution in music?
Secondary dominants enhance harmonic tension by temporarily acting as a dominant to a chord other than the tonic. When these chords resolve to their target chords, they create a sense of resolution and fulfillment. This process allows for more intricate progressions that maintain listener interest, as well as adding depth to the overall harmonic structure of a piece.
In what ways can secondary dominants facilitate effective transitions between different sections of a composition?
Secondary dominants can smooth transitions between sections by introducing brief moments of harmonic tension that lead into new areas. By tonicizing a chord related to the upcoming section, composers can create stronger connections between contrasting themes or ideas. This technique allows for seamless movement while maintaining coherence throughout the composition.
Evaluate how the use of secondary dominants can impact the emotional narrative of a piece, considering both tension and resolution.
The use of secondary dominants plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional narrative of a piece by balancing moments of tension with resolution. By introducing secondary dominants, composers can evoke feelings of anticipation and drama as they lead listeners through unexpected harmonies before resolving them satisfyingly. This dynamic interaction creates a richer emotional landscape, allowing for exploration of complex feelings while guiding the listener through various stages in the music's journey.
A dominant chord is built on the fifth degree of the scale and typically leads to the tonic, creating a strong resolution.
Tonicization: Tonicization refers to the temporary emphasis or establishment of a chord as a tonic within a progression, often achieved through secondary dominants.
Functional harmony describes the roles and relationships of chords in Western music, focusing on how chords lead to one another based on their functions.