I-ii-v-i

Definition

The i-ii-v-i progression is a common chord progression in music that utilizes the tonic, supertonic, and dominant chords of a minor scale. This sequence creates a strong sense of resolution and tension, which is fundamental to functional harmony. It illustrates the relationship between different chords in a way that emphasizes movement and direction, crucial for developing harmonic language during the Baroque period and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The i-ii-v-i progression is often used in classical and jazz music to create a strong harmonic framework that guides melodies.
2. In the context of functional harmony, this progression illustrates how chords function together to establish and resolve tension within a piece.
3. This sequence emphasizes the tonic chord (i) as a point of rest and resolution after moving through the supertonic (ii) and dominant (v) chords.
4. The i-ii-v-i progression showcases how composers used chord relationships to enhance emotional expression in their music.
5. As composers began to explore more complex harmonic ideas, variations of this progression became foundational for both composers and improvisers.

Review Questions

• How does the i-ii-v-i progression exemplify the principles of functional harmony?
  • The i-ii-v-i progression exemplifies functional harmony by demonstrating how each chord serves a specific role within the context of a minor key. The tonic chord (i) represents stability and resolution, while the supertonic (ii) prepares for motion toward the dominant (v), which creates tension before resolving back to the tonic. This movement showcases how chords interact to establish harmonic direction and emotional impact.
• In what ways does the i-ii-v-i progression influence composers' approaches to harmonic structure during the Baroque period?
  • During the Baroque period, the i-ii-v-i progression influenced composers by encouraging them to explore the relationships between chords as they crafted their harmonic structures. By utilizing this progression, composers could create more dynamic musical narratives that emphasized tension and resolution. This allowed for more expressive melodies and complex compositions, contributing to the rich harmonic language characteristic of Baroque music.
• Evaluate the significance of the i-ii-v-i progression in shaping musical styles beyond the Baroque period.
  • The i-ii-v-i progression has had lasting significance in shaping various musical styles beyond the Baroque period, including jazz, pop, and classical music. Its ability to create tension and resolution has made it a favorite among musicians looking to evoke emotion and develop melodic ideas. By integrating this progression into their work, artists across genres have contributed to an evolving harmonic language that continues to influence modern music theory and composition techniques.

Related terms

Functional Harmony: A system of harmony where chords are connected by their roles within a key, focusing on the relationships between tonic, dominant, and subdominant chords.

Chord Progression: A series of chords played in sequence, forming the foundation of a piece of music's harmony and structure.

Minor Scale: A seven-note scale that creates a darker, sadder sound compared to the major scale, characterized by its specific interval pattern.