Dominant
Definition. The fifth scale degree — the harmonic pole that creates tension resolving to the tonic.
Detailed Explanation
The dominant is the fifth scale degree — the note a perfect fifth above the tonic. In C major, the dominant is G; in A minor, the dominant is E. The dominant is the harmonic pole opposite the tonic: where the tonic represents stability and rest, the dominant represents tension and forward motion.
The dominant chord (built on the dominant note) creates the most powerful resolution to the tonic in tonal harmony. The V-I cadence (dominant resolving to tonic) is the basic gesture of Western tonal music — found in countless phrases, sections, and complete works.
The tonic-dominant relationship structures most tonal music. Sonata form moves from tonic to dominant in the exposition, then back to tonic in the recapitulation. Modulation often uses the dominant of a new key to introduce the new tonic. Understanding tonic-dominant relationships is essential to understanding tonal music.
Etymology
Latin dominans (‘ruling’), from dominari (‘to rule’). The dominant ‘rules’ the harmonic motion toward the tonic.
In Practice
Hear the dominant as tension demanding resolution. When you reach a dominant chord, anticipate the resolution to tonic; the gesture is fundamental to tonal grammar.
Notable Examples
- All tonal music — Universal (fundamental harmonic concept)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
Τι σημαίνει Dominant στη μουσική;
The fifth scale degree — the harmonic pole that creates tension resolving to the tonic.
Από πού προέρχεται η λέξη Dominant;
Latin dominans (‘ruling’), from dominari (‘to rule’). The dominant ‘rules’ the harmonic motion toward the tonic.
Πώς εκτελείται το Dominant στην πράξη;
Hear the dominant as tension demanding resolution. When you reach a dominant chord, anticipate the resolution to tonic; the gesture is fundamental to tonal grammar.
Ποιοι μουσικοί όροι σχετίζονται με το Dominant;
Σχετικοί όροι: Tonic, Modulation, Circle of fifths.
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