key term - Vii Chord

Definition

The vii chord, also known as the leading tone chord, is a triad built on the seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale. This chord typically functions as a predominant chord that leads to the tonic, creating a strong resolution due to its tendency to resolve upward to the tonic note. The vii chord is especially important in tonicization, as it can facilitate modulation by temporarily establishing a new tonic through its role as a secondary leading tone chord or secondary dominant chord.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The vii chord is usually notated as vii° in minor keys and vii or vii7 in major keys, indicating diminished or half-diminished quality.
2. As a leading tone chord, vii typically resolves to the I chord, which creates a sense of tension followed by resolution.
3. In part writing, the vii chord should be approached and resolved carefully to maintain smooth voice leading and proper function.
4. The vii chord can be used in both major and minor keys, but its function may differ slightly depending on the context.
5. When used as a secondary leading tone chord, the vii chord can help facilitate modulation by introducing new tonal centers.

Review Questions

• How does the vii chord function in establishing a temporary tonic, and what role does it play in voice leading?
  • The vii chord functions by creating tension that resolves to the tonic chord, often leading into a modulation. In voice leading, it's important for each note in the vii chord to move smoothly to their respective notes in the tonic. For example, the leading tone typically resolves up by half step to the tonic note, while other notes should move minimally to create a coherent harmonic progression. This tension-resolution dynamic is crucial for effective harmonic writing.
• Discuss how you would differentiate between using a vii° chord as a secondary leading tone chord versus a secondary dominant chord.
  • When using a vii° chord as a secondary leading tone chord, it typically resolves to the I of a closely related key, serving to tonicize that key momentarily. In contrast, when acting as a secondary dominant (often labeled V/ii), it would resolve to the ii chord in that key rather than the I. Recognizing these functions helps clarify how they affect harmonic progression and modulation within music.
• Evaluate the impact of utilizing a vii° chord on overall musical structure when incorporating tonicization and modulation.
  • Incorporating a vii° chord enhances overall musical structure by adding depth through tension and resolution. It allows composers to smoothly transition between keys, enriching harmonic language and complexity. By effectively using the vii° for tonicization, pieces can create moments of surprise or heightened emotion through unexpected shifts in tonality. This skillful manipulation of harmony via vii chords ultimately influences listeners' perceptions and experiences of musical narratives.

Related terms

Leading Tone:

The seventh scale degree in a diatonic scale, which has a strong tendency to resolve to the tonic note.

Secondary Dominant Chord: A dominant chord that resolves to a diatonic chord other than the tonic, often used to tonicize that chord.

Tonicization:

The process of temporarily establishing a chord as the new tonic through the use of dominant and leading tone chords.