Pedal Tone

Definition

A pedal tone is a sustained note, typically in the bass, that remains constant while harmonies change around it. This technique creates a sense of grounding and stability in the music, as the pedal tone contrasts with the shifting chords and melodic lines. Pedal tones often lead to feelings of tension and resolution, particularly when used in conjunction with suspensions and retardations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pedal tones can be found in various genres, including classical, jazz, and popular music, showcasing their versatility across styles.
2. The use of pedal tones often enhances the emotional impact of a piece by creating a stable point amid dynamic changes.
3. In a typical harmonic progression, pedal tones may appear in the tonic or dominant bass lines to emphasize key moments.
4. Composers like Bach frequently utilized pedal tones to anchor their harmonic structures, creating complex textures in their works.
5. Pedal tones can also be used as an improvisational device, allowing musicians to explore variations over a steady bass note.

Review Questions

• How does a pedal tone enhance the overall harmonic structure of a musical piece?
  • A pedal tone enhances the harmonic structure by providing a stable reference point as the surrounding harmonies shift. This contrast creates tension that heightens the listener's emotional experience. The pedal tone acts as an anchor, allowing other musical elements, such as suspensions and retardations, to interact dynamically around it, resulting in richer textures.
• Discuss how pedal tones relate to the concepts of suspension and retardation in tonal music.
  • Pedal tones are closely related to suspension and retardation as they all deal with tension and resolution in music. While a suspension holds over a note to create tension that resolves downwards, a retardation similarly creates tension but resolves upwards. Pedal tones can set up these moments by maintaining a consistent pitch against which the suspensions and retardations can be perceived more vividly, making the transitions between harmony more impactful.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of pedal tones in both composed and improvised music settings, particularly regarding emotional impact.
  • Pedal tones are highly effective in both composed and improvised contexts due to their ability to evoke strong emotional responses. In composed music, they provide stability that allows composers to explore intricate harmonies and counterpoint. In improvisation, musicians can use pedal tones to create a grounding effect while experimenting with melodies and variations. This duality highlights the versatility of pedal tones in enhancing both structural integrity and expressive depth within musical performances.

Related terms

Suspension: A suspension occurs when a note from a previous chord is held over into a new chord, creating a moment of tension before resolving downwards.

Retardation: A retardation is similar to a suspension but resolves upward instead of downward, providing an alternative form of tension and release.

Dissonance: Dissonance refers to the combination of notes that clash or create tension, often requiring resolution to consonance.