Dominant pedal

Definition

A dominant pedal is a sustained or repeated note, typically the fifth degree of the scale, that creates a sense of tension and stability in tonal music. This pedal point usually occurs in the bass and emphasizes the dominant harmony, leading to a strong resolution to the tonic. The dominant pedal is often used to build anticipation before a harmonic resolution, enhancing the overall emotional impact of a musical piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant pedal typically emphasizes the fifth scale degree, which establishes a strong sense of movement towards the tonic.
2. It can be used in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and pop, to create tension and anticipation.
3. Dominant pedals are often found in harmonic progressions leading to a cadence, particularly in perfect authentic cadences.
4. The use of a dominant pedal can transform simple harmonic changes into more dynamic and emotionally charged moments in music.
5. Composers may vary the texture above a dominant pedal to create contrasting sections, allowing for creative developments while maintaining a constant bass note.

Review Questions

• How does a dominant pedal contribute to the emotional quality of a musical piece?
  • A dominant pedal enhances the emotional quality of a musical piece by creating tension that prepares the listener for a resolution. By sustaining or repeating the fifth scale degree, it establishes an expectation for movement towards the tonic. This tension is particularly effective during climactic moments or cadences, where the eventual resolution feels more impactful because of the prolonged dominance before it.
• Discuss the role of dominant pedals in harmonic progressions and their function in cadences.
  • Dominant pedals play a crucial role in harmonic progressions by reinforcing the dominance of the fifth degree before resolving to the tonic. They are often strategically placed before perfect authentic cadences, where they create heightened anticipation for the return to stability provided by the tonic. This use of sustained tension can enhance the emotional resolution of musical phrases, making them feel more satisfying to the listener.
• Evaluate how composers might manipulate a dominant pedal to alter musical dynamics and structure.
  • Composers manipulate dominant pedals by varying elements such as texture, instrumentation, and rhythm above the sustained note. This allows them to create contrasts and developments while maintaining a strong tonal foundation. For example, they might introduce thematic material or counterpoint over the pedal point to build intensity or shift dynamics. Such techniques not only maintain listener interest but also deepen the overall narrative of the music by using the pedal as an anchor while exploring different musical ideas.

Related terms

Pedal Point: A sustained note that remains constant while harmonies change around it, often creating tension or stability.

Tonic: The first degree of the scale and the home chord of a key, serving as the point of resolution in tonal music.

Ostinato: A continually repeated musical phrase or rhythm that provides a foundation for variations and developments in a piece.