Tonic

Definition

The tonic is the first and primary note of a scale, serving as the home base for a musical piece. It establishes the key and provides a sense of resolution and stability, around which other notes and chords are organized. In functional harmony, the tonic plays a crucial role in defining the overall tonal structure and direction of a composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tonic chord is typically built on the first degree of the scale, consisting of three notes: the tonic itself, the third, and the fifth.
2. In a major key, the tonic chord has a happy or stable quality, while in a minor key, it can convey a more somber or serious character.
3. Functional harmony relies heavily on the movement between chords, with the tonic being the most important resting point for tonal resolution.
4. The cadence that resolves to the tonic is known as an authentic cadence, which is often used to mark the end of phrases or sections in music.
5. Composers often establish a strong sense of tonic at the beginning of their works to provide clarity and context for the listener.

Review Questions

• How does the tonic relate to other chords within a key in functional harmony?
  • In functional harmony, the tonic serves as the central anchor point around which other chords revolve. The dominant chord creates tension that typically resolves back to the tonic, while the subdominant provides movement away from it. This interplay between tonic, dominant, and subdominant chords shapes musical phrases and structures, guiding listeners through a harmonic journey.
• Discuss how composers use the tonic to create emotional impact within their compositions.
  • Composers leverage the tonic's stability to evoke emotional responses by strategically placing it in their works. By establishing a clear tonic at pivotal moments, they can enhance feelings of resolution or suspense. For instance, using an authentic cadence that resolves to the tonic can provide a satisfying conclusion after building tension through dominant chords. This manipulation of tonal relationships helps to shape the emotional landscape of their music.
• Evaluate how the understanding of tonic has evolved from earlier music practices to its role in 17th-18th century compositions.
  • The understanding of tonic has significantly evolved from earlier modal practices to its foundational role in tonal music during the 17th and 18th centuries. Initially, music was based on modes with less emphasis on a singular tonal center; however, as functional harmony developed, composers began to prioritize tonality with a clear tonic note at its core. This transition allowed for more complex harmonic relationships and increased emotional depth in compositions, ultimately leading to a rich tapestry of musical expression that defines this period.

Related terms

Dominant: The fifth note of the scale, which creates tension that often resolves back to the tonic, playing an essential role in establishing functional harmony.

Subdominant:

The fourth note of the scale, which is often used to create movement away from the tonic and leads back to either the tonic or dominant.

Key Signature: A set of sharp or flat symbols placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the key of a piece, directly related to the tonic note.