Dominant function

Definition

The dominant function refers to the musical role of the dominant chord, typically the V chord, which creates tension that seeks resolution to the tonic. This function is crucial in establishing tonal centers and guiding harmonic progressions, often utilizing seventh chords to enhance this tension. The dominant function plays a significant role in various harmonic techniques, including modulation and voice leading.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant function is primarily fulfilled by the V chord but can also involve V7 (dominant seventh) chords to enhance tension before resolving to I (tonic).
2. In major keys, the dominant chord is built on the fifth scale degree, while in minor keys, it can be altered to create a leading tone that strengthens its resolution.
3. The use of seventh chords in the dominant function increases the need for resolution due to the presence of the tritone interval, which creates dissonance.
4. Dominant function often leads to modulation, where the dominant chord of one key becomes a tonic in another key, facilitating smooth transitions between tonalities.
5. In enharmonic modulation, dominant function plays a key role as it allows for unexpected shifts in tonality by using enharmonically equivalent chords to pivot into new keys.

Review Questions

• How does the dominant function create tension that resolves to the tonic in tonal music?
  • The dominant function generates tension primarily through its V chord, which naturally seeks resolution to the tonic (I) due to its structural placement in tonal music. This tension is enhanced when using seventh chords like V7, where the tritone interval between the third and seventh of the chord creates a strong desire for resolution. When this tension is resolved by moving to the tonic, it provides a satisfying sense of closure in musical phrases.
• Discuss how dominant function contributes to enharmonic modulation within a piece of music.
  • Dominant function facilitates enharmonic modulation by allowing composers to pivot from one key to another through chromatic alterations of dominant chords. For example, if a composer uses a V7 chord that can be reinterpreted enharmonically, such as C#7 leading to D major instead of D# minor, they can create a smooth transition between distant keys. This technique utilizes the inherent tension of the dominant function to surprise listeners and maintain interest.
• Evaluate the impact of using seventh chords on the dominant function and overall harmonic progression in both major and minor keys.
  • Using seventh chords in the context of dominant function significantly alters harmonic progression by introducing increased dissonance and tension that demands resolution. In major keys, applying V7 reinforces this drive toward the tonic by creating stronger pull due to tritones. In minor keys, altering the dominant chord can heighten this effect further, with raised leading tones guiding listeners back to tonic. This evolution not only enriches harmonic language but also shapes emotional expression throughout a composition.

Related terms

Tonic:

The tonic is the first scale degree and serves as the home base or point of rest in tonal music, providing a sense of resolution.

Subdominant:

The subdominant is the IV chord in a key, which often precedes the dominant and helps in building harmonic progression.

Seventh Chord: A seventh chord includes four notes: the root, third, fifth, and seventh, which adds complexity and tension to harmony, particularly in dominant function.