key term - Subdominant Chords

Definition

Subdominant chords, often referred to as IV (or iv in minor keys), play a crucial role in music by creating a sense of movement away from the tonic and towards the dominant. This predominant function helps to prepare the listener for the tension created by the dominant chord, setting up a resolution back to the tonic. The subdominant is essential in establishing harmonic progressions and contributing to the overall structure of melodic phrases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The subdominant chord is built on the fourth scale degree and typically includes the root, major third, and perfect fifth notes.
2. In a major key, the subdominant chord is major (IV), while in a minor key, it can be either major (IV) or minor (iv), depending on the context.
3. Subdominant chords often appear before dominant chords in harmonic progressions, helping to create a smooth transition towards tension.
4. Using subdominant chords adds depth and color to melodic phrases, allowing composers to explore various emotional expressions within their music.
5. Common progressions involving subdominant chords include IV-V-I and iv-V-i, which are frequently used in various musical genres.

Review Questions

• How do subdominant chords function within harmonic progressions?
  • Subdominant chords function as predominant harmonies that create movement away from the tonic. By leading into dominant chords, they establish tension that is resolved when returning to the tonic. This relationship between tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords forms a foundational aspect of harmonic progressions, making them crucial for effective phrase development.
• Compare and contrast the roles of subdominant and dominant chords in establishing musical tension and resolution.
  • Subdominant chords serve to prepare the listener for the tension that dominant chords create. While subdominants lead away from the tonic, creating a sense of departure, dominant chords heighten that tension before resolving back to the tonic. This interplay is essential in crafting effective musical narratives, where subdominants lay the groundwork for the dominant's dramatic pull.
• Evaluate how subdominant chords can influence the emotional quality of a musical piece and provide specific examples.
  • Subdominant chords can significantly impact the emotional quality of a musical piece by adding depth and contrast. For instance, in a piece written in C major, moving from F major (IV) to G major (V) creates anticipation before resolving to C major (I). This emotional build-up can evoke feelings of longing or resolution, depending on how these chords are employed within a progression. By varying their use, composers can effectively manipulate listener emotions and enhance their storytelling through music.

Related terms

Tonic:

The first degree of a scale, serving as the home base or point of rest in music, often represented by I (or i in minor keys).

Dominant:

The fifth degree of a scale, represented by V (or v in minor keys), which creates tension that resolves back to the tonic.

Cadence:

A musical phrase that brings a sense of closure or pause, often involving a progression from the dominant to tonic chords.