Key harmonic functions are essential in music, shaping how we experience tension and resolution. They include tonic, dominant, and subdominant roles, guiding the listener through a piece while creating emotional depth and a sense of direction in harmonic progressions.
-
Tonic function
- Serves as the home base or tonal center of a piece, typically represented by the I chord.
- Establishes the key and provides a sense of resolution and stability.
- Often the starting and ending point of musical phrases, reinforcing the key's identity.
-
Dominant function
- Typically represented by the V chord, it creates tension that seeks resolution back to the tonic.
- Plays a crucial role in establishing harmonic progression and forward motion.
- Often includes the leading tone, which heightens the pull towards the tonic.
-
Subdominant function
- Represented by the IV chord, it serves as a preparatory step leading to the dominant.
- Provides contrast to the tonic and dominant, enriching the harmonic palette.
- Often used to create a sense of departure from the tonic before moving to the dominant.
-
Pre-dominant function
- Encompasses chords that lead into the dominant, such as ii and IV.
- Sets up the harmonic progression, creating anticipation for the dominant function.
- Helps to establish a smooth transition between the tonic and dominant.
-
Cadential function
- Refers to the harmonic progressions that signal the end of a phrase or section, often involving V-I.
- Creates a sense of closure and resolution, reinforcing the tonic.
- Can include various cadences, such as perfect, plagal, and deceptive cadences.
-
Prolongation function
- Involves extending a harmony or chord beyond its typical duration, often through embellishments.
- Helps to maintain interest and tension within a harmonic framework.
- Can involve techniques like passing chords or neighbor tones to enrich the harmonic texture.
-
Modulation function
- Refers to the process of changing from one key to another within a piece.
- Expands the harmonic landscape and introduces new tonal areas, enhancing musical variety.
- Can be executed through pivot chords, direct modulation, or sequential patterns.
-
Secondary dominant function
- Involves the use of a dominant chord that resolves to a chord other than the tonic, often labeled V/V or V/ii.
- Adds tension and color by temporarily tonicizing a chord other than the primary tonic.
- Enhances harmonic interest and complexity within a progression.
-
Deceptive function
- Occurs when a dominant chord resolves to a chord other than the expected tonic, typically vi.
- Creates surprise and emotional depth by defying listener expectations.
- Often used to prolong the harmonic journey before finally resolving to the tonic.
-
Pedal point function
- Involves a sustained or repeated note (usually in the bass) while harmonies change above it.
- Creates a sense of tension and stability simultaneously, anchoring the harmonic movement.
- Often used to build anticipation before a resolution or significant harmonic change.