Secondary Dominant: A chord that serves as the dominant (V) of a chord that is not the tonic, creating a temporary tonal center within a piece of music.
Context and Significance
Secondary dominants are essential in music for enhancing harmonic progression and adding variety. They are prevalent in both classical and jazz music, providing modulation and tension. These chords are instrumental in creating unexpected shifts and enriching musical narratives. Musicians use secondary dominants to transition smoothly between keys or to highlight specific sections within a composition. They are commonly found in piano, orchestral, and jazz band arrangements, offering composers and performers a tool to elevate musical expression.
Historical Background
The concept of the secondary dominant gained prominence during the Common Practice Period, especially in the works of composers like J.S. Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. This period emphasized functional harmony and the exploration of tonal relationships. The use of secondary dominants allowed composers to create more intricate harmonic designs and explore new tonal possibilities within their compositions. Over time, this technique became a staple in Western music theory, contributing to the development of more complex harmonic structures in various musical genres.
Examples
Secondary dominants are evident in many classical and jazz pieces. In Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, secondary dominants create dramatic tension and drive the music forward. Jazz musicians, such as Duke Ellington, frequently employ secondary dominants to introduce rich harmonic textures and unexpected modulations. In Ellington’s “Take the ‘A’ Train,” secondary dominants contribute to the song’s distinctive and engaging harmonic progression, showcasing how these chords can enhance both classical and modern compositions.
Related Terms
Tonic: The primary key center of a piece of music.
Dominant: The fifth scale degree, providing resolution to the tonic.
Modulation: The process of changing from one key to another within a piece.
Cadence: A sequence of chords that concludes a musical phrase.
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