Secondary dominant

Definition

A secondary dominant is a chord that serves as the dominant (V) of a diatonic chord other than the tonic. It essentially creates a temporary tonicization, allowing for a richer harmonic progression and movement in a piece of music. This concept is crucial for enhancing the emotional impact of compositions, leading listeners through different tonal areas while still maintaining a connection to the original key.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary dominants are labeled using Roman numerals, indicating their function relative to the diatonic chord they target, like V/ii for the dominant of the ii chord.
2. They typically lead to a diatonic chord that is not the tonic, creating tension and resolution that enhances the overall harmonic texture.
3. Composers often use secondary dominants to modulate or shift tonal focus within a piece without changing the key signature.
4. In classical music, secondary dominants are commonly found in cadences, helping to create stronger resolutions to non-tonic chords.
5. Jazz and modern compositions frequently employ secondary dominants to add color and complexity to chord progressions, making them more engaging.

Review Questions

• How do secondary dominants function within harmonic progressions to create tension and resolution?
  • Secondary dominants function by temporarily emphasizing a diatonic chord that is not the tonic, creating a momentary shift in focus. For example, when using V/ii, it leads into the ii chord, which feels resolved once played. This tension and subsequent resolution enhance the emotional dynamics of a progression, guiding listeners through different tonal areas while still anchoring them back to the original key.
• In what ways do composers utilize secondary dominants to facilitate modulation within their compositions?
  • Composers utilize secondary dominants as effective tools for modulation by introducing chords that create tension against diatonic chords from another key. By employing secondary dominants, such as V/V or V/ii, they can smoothly transition into different tonal areas without formally changing key signatures. This technique allows for seamless shifts in harmonic focus while maintaining coherence throughout the piece.
• Evaluate the role of secondary dominants in contemporary music genres compared to traditional classical compositions.
  • In contemporary music genres like jazz and pop, secondary dominants play a significant role in enriching chord progressions and adding unexpected twists. Unlike traditional classical compositions that might use them primarily for cadences and harmonic resolution, modern styles often leverage secondary dominants for improvisation and creative expression. This shift highlights how secondary dominants are not just structural elements but also avenues for innovation and emotional depth in music.

Related terms

Tonicization: The process of temporarily emphasizing a chord as if it were the tonic, often achieved through the use of secondary dominants.

Diatonic Chord: A chord that is built using only the notes found within a particular key or scale, following its natural harmonic structure.

Functional Harmony: A system of harmony that describes the function of chords within a key, emphasizing their roles as tonic, dominant, and subdominant.