Dominant

Definition

In music theory, the dominant refers to the fifth scale degree of a diatonic scale and is crucial in establishing tonality and functional harmony. It plays a central role in creating tension that resolves back to the tonic, which is the first scale degree. The dominant often leads to dominant seventh chords, adding more complexity and richness to harmonic progressions, further solidifying its importance in the development of Western music during the Baroque period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant chord is built on the fifth scale degree, typically leading to the tonic, which provides a strong sense of resolution in harmonic progressions.
2. In tonal music, the dominant seventh chord (V7) adds an additional layer of tension due to its tritone interval, which enhances its pull towards the tonic.
3. The relationship between the dominant and tonic is fundamental in establishing a piece's key center and drives much of Western classical music's structural organization.
4. The dominant can be altered or expanded through techniques like modulation and secondary dominants, which enhance harmonic diversity.
5. In Baroque music, composers often emphasized the dominant as a pivotal point for creating dramatic tension and emotional expression within their works.

Review Questions

• How does the dominant function within a harmonic progression and why is it essential for establishing tonality?
  • The dominant functions as a crucial point of tension within harmonic progressions by leading towards the tonic. This creates a sense of expectation and resolution, essential for establishing tonality. When composers emphasize this relationship through cadences, they effectively guide listeners through musical narratives, reinforcing the overall structure and emotional impact of their works.
• In what ways did Rameau's theories contribute to our understanding of the dominant and its role in functional harmony?
  • Rameau's theories greatly advanced our understanding of functional harmony by clearly defining the roles of various chords within tonal music. He identified the dominant as a critical element in musical progression, emphasizing its ability to create tension that resolves to the tonic. Rameau’s ideas laid groundwork for future composers by systematizing how harmony functions within compositions, ultimately shaping Western music theory.
• Evaluate how the use of the dominant evolved from early Baroque practices to later developments in classical music, highlighting key changes in harmonic language.
  • The use of the dominant evolved significantly from early Baroque practices, where it primarily functioned within simple cadences to establish tonality. As music progressed into later classical styles, composers began to explore more complex harmonic relationships, such as chromaticism and modulation. This evolution showcased an increasing sophistication in harmonic language, allowing for richer emotional expression and intricate musical structures that still relied on the fundamental tension-resolving properties of the dominant.

Related terms

Tonic:

The tonic is the first scale degree of a diatonic scale and serves as the home base or point of resolution in music, contrasting with the dominant.

Subdominant: The subdominant is the fourth scale degree in a diatonic scale, often functioning as a stepping stone between the tonic and dominant.

Functional Harmony:

Functional harmony refers to the way chords function within a piece of music, emphasizing relationships between tonic, dominant, and subdominant chords to create a sense of movement.