Musicianship Notes pt1

Function of Secondary Dominants

• Definition:

  • A secondary dominant functions to emphasize a triad other than the tonic, similar to how the natural dominant in the key reinforces the tonic.

• Purpose of Secondary Dominants:

  • They create a temporary focus on a chord within the diatonic scale.

  • This emphasizes the importance of chords that are not the tonic by highlighting their harmonic qualities.

Tonicization

• Definition:

  • When a secondary dominant is used solely to temporarily emphasize a triad, this process is referred to as tonicization.

• Context:

  • Tonicization allows for brief moments where a non-tonic chord feels like a temporary tonic, providing harmonic variety and tension.

• Previous Study Notes:

  • The concept of tonicization was discussed in relation to applied chords during the end of the winter term.

  • Applied chords are chords that act as dominants to a chord other than the tonic.

Working with Secondary Dominants

• Focus for the Week:

  • The current study will delve into how to effectively work with secondary dominants across all steps of the diatonic scale.

  • Understanding the functional roles of these dominants in various keys will be a key learning outcome for this week.