Tendency tone resolution in minor is a musical concept that refers to the inherent movement of individual tones towards a point of resolution. The four main entities involved in this principle are: Leading tone, submediant, dominant, and tonic. The leading tone, or seventh scale degree, has a strong tendency to resolve upward to the tonic, while the submediant, or sixth scale degree, tends to resolve downward to the dominant. Conversely, the dominant, or fifth scale degree, resolves upward to the tonic, establishing stability and a sense of closure. In minor keys, the leading tone is often raised by a semitone to create a stronger sense of resolution. Understanding tendency tone resolution is crucial for musicians as it influences melodic phrasing, harmonic progression, and overall musical structure.
Tendency Tone Resolution: Minor
In music theory, the leading tone is a note that “wants” to resolve to the tonic note, creating a sense of melodic tension. The tendency of the leading tone is strongest in the minor scale due to its semitone distance from the tonic. Understanding this tendency and its resolution, known as tendency tone resolution, is essential for creating satisfying melodies in minor keys.
Tendency Tone: 7th Degree of the Minor Scale
- In a minor scale, the 7th degree (not the major scale 7th) is the leading tone or tendency tone.
- For example, in the C minor scale, B natural is the leading tone.
Resolution Targets
- The leading tone typically resolves upward to the tonic note.
- In C minor, B natural resolves to C.
- The leading tone can also resolve downward to the 6th degree (submediant) in certain situations, providing greater melodic freedom.
Tendency Tone Resolution Patterns
- Primary Resolution: Resolves directly to the tonic note. (Leading tone -> tonic)
- Secondary Resolution: Resolves to the 6th degree (submediant). (Leading tone -> submediant)
Cadential Resolution
- In cadences (musical endings), the leading tone resolution is particularly impactful.
- In minor cadences, the leading tone often resolves to the tonic note in the root position.
- This resolution creates a strong sense of finality, bringing melodic tension to a satisfying conclusion.
Tableau Summary of Tendeny Tone Resolution in Minor
| Resolution Type | Leading Tone | Target Note |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 7th degree | Tonic (1st degree) |
| Secondary | 7th degree | Submediant (6th degree) |
| Cadential | 7th degree | Tonic (in root position) |
Question 1:
What is the role of leading tones in minor key resolutions?
Answer:
Leading tones in minor key resolutions create a sense of tension and anticipation that resolves to the tonic, providing closure and stability.
Question 2:
How does the harmonic function of subdominant chords influence minor key resolutions?
Answer:
Subdominant chords in minor key resolutions provide harmonic support for the leading tone, increasing its tension and strengthening the resolution to the tonic.
Question 3:
In what ways do melodic intervals contribute to the resolution of minor key cadences?
Answer:
Descending melodic intervals, particularly from the raised leading tone to the tonic, create a natural tendency for the music to resolve, reinforcing the harmonic movement and enhancing the sense of resolution.
Well, there you have it folks! I hope you enjoyed this little journey into the nuances of tonal resolution. Remember, understanding these concepts can help you create more expressive and satisfying music. So go forth and experiment! And be sure to check back in later for more musical insights. Thanks for reading!