Neapolitan Chords

Definition

Neapolitan chords are major chords built on the flattened second scale degree, typically found in a minor key. They are often used to create tension and add color to harmonic progressions, commonly functioning as a predominant chord leading to the dominant chord. This unique structure contributes to a rich tonal palette, enhancing the emotional depth of musical compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neapolitan chords are commonly notated as N or N6 when in first inversion, and they often appear as a flat II chord in a minor context.
2. They typically resolve to the dominant (V) chord, creating a strong pull toward resolution and enhancing dramatic effect in music.
3. The use of Neapolitan chords is prevalent in classical music, particularly during the Romantic era, but they have also been embraced in contemporary genres.
4. Neapolitan chords can be used to modulate to different keys by introducing chromatic elements into harmonic progressions.
5. These chords are often associated with expressive or melancholic moods due to their unique construction and tendency to create tension.

Review Questions

• How do Neapolitan chords function within harmonic progressions, especially in relation to predominant chords?
  • Neapolitan chords serve as predominant chords that create tension leading up to the dominant chord in harmonic progressions. Typically found in minor keys, they enhance the emotional quality of music by introducing chromaticism. When used effectively, Neapolitan chords contribute significantly to the overall movement of a piece by preparing listeners for the resolution that follows, reinforcing their role in establishing a compelling musical narrative.
• Discuss how Neapolitan chords are utilized in both classical and contemporary music settings.
  • In classical music, Neapolitan chords were frequently employed during the Romantic era to evoke deep emotions and facilitate smoother transitions between harmonic areas. Contemporary composers and songwriters have adopted this technique as well, using Neapolitan chords for similar expressive effects or as unexpected turns in pop and jazz genres. This versatility demonstrates how Neapolitan chords bridge traditional and modern harmonic practices while maintaining their intrinsic emotive power.
• Evaluate the impact of Neapolitan chords on modulations within musical compositions.
  • Neapolitan chords significantly impact modulations by providing chromatic movement that can lead seamlessly into new keys. By integrating these chords into harmonic progressions, composers can enhance tension and prepare listeners for unexpected shifts in tonality. This ability to navigate between keys while maintaining cohesion illustrates how Neapolitan chords enrich the structural complexity of music, inviting deeper exploration of emotional landscapes through their strategic placement.

Related terms

Predominant Chord: A chord that prepares the arrival of the dominant chord, often leading to increased tension and resolution in harmony.

Secondary Dominant: A dominant chord that resolves to a chord other than the tonic, typically used to create modulation or emphasize a temporary tonicization.

Chromaticism: The use of notes outside the traditional scale of a piece, adding complexity and richness to harmonic structures.