Music Theory questions.

What is implied in the operating system when we speak of tonal music? What does it mean when we say that a piece of music is in D major?

Tonal music implies music that contains tonality. It means that the use of keys (major or minor) and its scale govern the pitch structure, both in the melodic and harmonic material of the piece. Thus when we say that a piece of music is in D major, we mean that the pitch D is the central, organizing force, it serves as a goal of motion and a point of repose.

How do the different scale steps of a key create impressions of stability and instability in music? Give some examples.

In the context of major and minor keys, some scale steps have particular functions or tendencies. These functions and tendencies create impressions of stability and instability that are extremely critical to the coherence of tonal music. The most stable element in the scale is the tonic. The least stable scale step is the leading tone. It is a tendency tone that wants to resolve to the tonic.

What does the language of tonal music depend on? What is a cadence?

The language of tonal music depends on the idea of harmonic progression. Progression means directed motion, or movement toward a goal, and the goal of the progression is the cadence. Each harmony in the progression can be understood in terms of its place in that motion. In addition, we must be concerned with melodic line. A coherent melodic line has a clear sense of beginning, middle, and end.

What are the three main types of chord functions? What are their functions?

(1) Tonic function chord provides central context and identity for beginning, as well as rest and repose. It is the ultimate goal of harmonic motion.

(2)Dominant function means a lack of repose, the dominant specifically seeks the tonic for resolution.

(3)Subdominant or pre-dominant function chord is less dynamic than the dominant. It seeks the tonic also, but more often than not moves to the dominant before arriving on the tonic.

Provide the scale degrees that make up every chord in a key. Indicate the respective chord function.

I (1,3,5) - tonic function

ii (2,4,6) - pre-dominant function

iii (3,5,7) - in major keys, it lacks a strong function; in minor keys, it can substitute tonic.

IV (4,6,8) - pre-dominant function

V (5,7,2) - Dominant function

vi (6,8,3) - pre-dominant function, can also substitute tonic

vii’ (7,2,4) - dominant function but weaker