Dominant

Definition

The dominant is the fifth scale degree in a diatonic scale and plays a critical role in establishing tonal center and creating tension that resolves to the tonic. This chord, typically built on the fifth scale degree, is essential in creating strong harmonic progressions, often leading to cadences that signal the end of a musical phrase.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a major key, the dominant chord is built on the fifth degree of the scale and typically includes the notes from that scale along with a major third and perfect fifth.
2. The dominant seventh chord adds an additional minor seventh above the root, enhancing its tension and pull back to the tonic.
3. Common progressions include moving from the dominant to the tonic, such as V-I, which creates a strong sense of resolution.
4. In classical forms like sonata form and rondo, the dominant plays a vital role in modulating to different keys before returning to the tonic.
5. In counterpoint, especially species counterpoint, incorporating dominant chords can add richness and complexity to the melodic lines.

Review Questions

• How does the dominant function within common chord progressions to create tension and resolution?
  • The dominant chord serves as a pivotal point in common chord progressions by creating tension that resolves back to the tonic. For instance, in a progression like V-I, the dominant (V) introduces a sense of instability or anticipation that begs for resolution. This relationship reinforces the tonal center and emphasizes the importance of resolving to the tonic, creating satisfying harmonic movement.
• Discuss how cadences utilizing the dominant contribute to form and structure in music compositions.
  • Cadences that utilize the dominant are essential for establishing musical structure and delineating phrases within compositions. By employing cadences like V-I or V7-I, composers can signal the end of sections or transitions into new themes. This reliance on the dominant not only creates closure but also reinforces key relationships throughout larger forms such as sonata or rondo.
• Evaluate the significance of dominant chords in four-part writing principles and their impact on voice leading.
  • In four-part writing principles, dominant chords are crucial for achieving effective voice leading while maintaining harmonic coherence. The interaction between voices when resolving from a dominant to tonic can enhance counterpoint and enrich harmonic textures. Careful attention must be paid to voice movements—such as avoiding parallel fifths—while ensuring each voice resolves appropriately, thus contributing to the overall unity and effectiveness of the composition.

Related terms

Tonic: The tonic is the first scale degree of a scale, serving as the home base or point of rest in tonal music.

Subdominant:

The subdominant is the fourth scale degree and chord in a diatonic scale, functioning as a bridge between the tonic and dominant.

Cadence:

A cadence is a musical term for a sequence of chords that concludes a phrase or section, often involving dominant to tonic resolutions.