Leading Tone: The leading tone is the seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale, situated a half-step below the tonic. It serves as the penultimate note that resolves into the tonic, creating a sense of tension and resolution.
Context and Significance
The leading tone is crucial in establishing the key and tonality of a piece. Its primary function is to lead into the tonic, creating a drive toward resolution. This tension and resolution are vital in Western music, particularly in classical, jazz, and popular genres. The leading tone is often employed in cadences and is a key component in harmonic progressions on piano, guitar, and orchestral instruments.
Historical Background
The concept of the leading tone has its roots in Western classical music theory. During the Baroque era, composers began to emphasize the leading tone’s role in creating tension and driving harmonic progressions. Its importance grew with the development of tonal harmony, playing a significant role in the music of composers like J.S. Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Examples
In Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, the leading tone is prominently featured in the cadential progressions, illustrating its role in creating musical tension. In jazz, the leading tone is often used in improvisation to resolve to the tonic, as seen in Charlie Parker’s solos. The Beatles’ song “A Hard Day’s Night” also utilizes the leading tone to enhance harmonic movement.
Related Terms
Tonic: The first and central note of a scale.
Dominant: The fifth scale degree, often leading to the tonic.
Subdominant: The fourth scale degree, providing harmonic contrast.
Cadence: A sequence of chords that concludes a musical phrase.