key term - Leading tone relationship

Definition

Leading tone relationship refers to the connection established between the leading tone of one scale and the tonic of another scale, usually in the context of tonicization. This relationship plays a significant role in creating harmonic tension and resolution, allowing composers to momentarily shift the listener's perception of tonality through secondary leading tone chords and secondary dominant chords.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The leading tone is the seventh scale degree in a diatonic scale, and its relationship to the tonic creates strong directional motion towards resolution.
2. In secondary leading tone chords, the leading tone functions as a critical note that pulls towards the intended tonic, often found in harmonic progressions that involve modulation.
3. Secondary dominant chords serve to enhance the leading tone relationship by introducing tension that resolves to the tonicized chord.
4. This relationship is frequently used in music composition to create surprise and interest by shifting tonal focus temporarily.
5. Understanding leading tone relationships helps performers interpret musical phrases with appropriate emphasis and dynamic variation.

Review Questions

• How does a leading tone relationship contribute to the process of tonicization in music?
  • A leading tone relationship contributes to tonicization by establishing a connection between the leading tone of a temporary scale and its corresponding tonic. This connection creates a strong pull or tension that resolves when moving to the tonicized chord. By using secondary leading tone chords, composers can enhance this tension, enriching harmonic progressions and creating compelling moments in music.
• Discuss how secondary dominant chords utilize leading tone relationships to enhance harmonic progression.
  • Secondary dominant chords enhance harmonic progression by introducing tension that resolves to a non-tonic chord. This is achieved through a leading tone relationship where the leading tone of the new key leads directly to its tonic. When composers use secondary dominants effectively, they create rich harmonic textures and surprises, enriching the listener's experience through unexpected tonal shifts.
• Evaluate the impact of leading tone relationships on musical composition and performance interpretation.
  • Leading tone relationships have a profound impact on both musical composition and performance interpretation. In composition, they allow for nuanced shifts in tonality, which can engage listeners and evoke emotional responses. For performers, understanding these relationships informs their phrasing and dynamics, as it highlights moments of tension and resolution, ultimately enhancing expressiveness and musicality during performance.

Related terms

Tonicization:

The process of temporarily emphasizing a chord as the tonic, often through the use of secondary chords that lead to that chord.

Secondary Leading Tone Chord: A chord built on the leading tone of a scale that functions to tonicize a non-tonic chord, creating a sense of temporary resolution.

Secondary Dominant Chord: A dominant chord that resolves to a chord other than the tonic, used to tonicize a non-tonic chord and create a temporary sense of resolution.