Glossary
Authentic Cadence
A strong, conclusive cadence typically involving a dominant chord resolving directly to the tonic (V-I or V-i).
Example:
The final V-I progression at the end of a symphony movement forms a powerful Authentic Cadence, signaling a definitive end.
Contextual Analysis
The process of determining a chord's true function based on its role and interaction within a specific chord progression, rather than just its label.
Example:
Understanding that a V4/3 chord between two tonic chords is actually a prolongation of the tonic, not a dominant, requires Contextual Analysis.
Deceptive Cadence
A musical 'plot twist' where a dominant chord resolves unexpectedly to the submediant (V-vi or V-VI) instead of the anticipated tonic.
Example:
A piece ending with a G7 chord followed by an A minor chord instead of C major creates a Deceptive Cadence, surprising the listener.
Dominant (D)
A chord that creates tension and a strong pull back to the tonic, often leading to resolution.
Example:
The G7 chord in a piece in C major acts as the Dominant, building anticipation before resolving to C.
Harmonic Function
The role a chord plays within a progression, determining its behavior and relationship to other chords.
Example:
In a pop song, the harmonic function of the chorus chords often creates a sense of arrival and stability.
Phrase Structure (T-PD-D-T)
A common roadmap for most musical progressions, moving from tonic stability, through predominant preparation, dominant tension, and back to tonic resolution.
Example:
Many simple melodies follow the Phrase Structure of starting at home (T), moving away (PD), building tension (D), and returning home (T).
Predominant (PD)
Chords that lead away from the tonic and prepare for the dominant, building momentum in a progression.
Example:
In a progression like I-IV-V-I, the IV chord functions as the Predominant, setting up the tension of the V chord.
Submediant (vi/VI)
The chord built on the sixth scale degree, which is versatile and can function as tonic expansion, weak predominant, or in a deceptive cadence.
Example:
In C major, the A minor chord (vi) is the Submediant, offering a slightly different color than the tonic but still feeling related.
Tonic (T)
The home base chord of a key, providing a sense of stability, resolution, and rest.
Example:
After a long, winding melody, the final C major chord in a piece in C major serves as the Tonic, bringing a feeling of completion.
Tonic Expansion
A function where a chord, often the submediant, prolongs or extends the feeling of the tonic area without strongly moving away from it.
Example:
A progression like C-Am-G-C uses the Am chord for Tonic Expansion, making the 'home' feeling last longer before moving to the dominant.
Weak Predominant
A function where the submediant chord creates a gentle pull away from the tonic, leading towards the dominant, but less strongly than typical predominant chords.
Example:
When a vi chord moves to a ii6 chord, it's acting as a Weak Predominant, subtly preparing for the dominant.