Unleashing the Magic of Secondary Leading Tone Chords: AP Music Theory Study Guide 🎶
Introduction
Hello, maestros and future musical wizards! Ready to sprinkle some harmonic pixie dust into your compositions? Today, we're diving into the enigmatic yet engaging world of secondary leading tone chords. Think of these chords as the secret ingredients in your musical brew that add a dash of surprise and a whole lot of tension. So, grab your baton, and let’s get ready to part-write like pros! 🎼✨
What Are Secondary Leading Tone Chords?
Remember how the vii० chord in your favorite key acts like a drama-queen cousin to the V chord, always bringing resolutions and cadential drama? Well, secondary leading tone chords (aka “locally grown drama”) do the same but for chords other than the tonic. They mostly show up at parties as vii०⁷ (fully diminished seventh) and viiø⁷ (half-diminished seventh) chords. Just so you know, in the land of major keys, everyone is welcome (both vii०⁷ and viiø⁷). But in minor keys, only vii०⁷ is invited. 🎭
Example: Scoring in B Major
In B Major, if you want to be fancy and write secondary leading tone chords for the IV chord E Major (aka our new aim), here’s your guide:
- vii०/IV (D#-F#-A)
- vii०⁷/IV (D#-F#-A-C)
- viiø⁷/IV (D#-F#-A-C#)
Identifying Secondary Leading Tone Chords
Spotting these chords is like finding Peter Parker without his Spider-Man suit. 🕷️ Start by looking for accidentals and checking for diminished or half-diminished spells. If it’s not major and has accidentals, it’s probably a secondary leading tone chord masquerading around. 🎭
Let’s analyze a snippet from Brahms' Intermezzo, op. 119 no. 3 in C Major. In the first measure, on beat 1, a G major triad in the bass with an F in the treble indicates a V⁷ chord. On beat 2, a I⁶₄ peeks out. Measure 2? Oh, it gets spicy! F-Ab-D-C on beat 1 (aka ii०⁶₅), turns into F#-A-C-E on beat 2 (diminished 7th, cue accidental check, voilá, vii०⁷/V). 🎶
Part Writing Secondary Leading Tone Chords
Voice leading with these chords is like starting a game of Jenga – follow the rules, or it all tumbles down. 🎲
- In Major Key: Fully diminished chords, please!
- In Minor: No half-diminished chords. Avoid vii°/III, viiø⁷/III, and viiø⁷/V because they mess up the leading tone magic.
Aim for smooth voice leading. Remember, a raised leading tone is essential for these secondary chords. After all, they’re designed to resolve dramatically!
Tonicizing Deceptive Motion
Imagine you plan a splendid V-I cadence, but the ending changes to vi instead. Oops! That’s a deceptive cadence for you. When you add a secondary vii chord, like vii°/vi, it spices up the twist and sounds like a resolution within that deceptive shift. Consider moving from V to vii/vi to vi in major keys. This movement provides smooth, stepwise motion and resolves the deception beautifully.
Example: From Lang’s "Mag da draussen sein"
Moving from a V7 chord (Ab-C-Eb-Gb) in the primary key to a viio7 (A-C-Eb-Gb) in the secondary key of Bb minor, we notice the leading tones resolving upwards and the seventh resolving down – all adding up to delightful harmonic resolution.
Introduction to Modulation
Modulation is like moving cities while tonicization is like visiting a friend's house in another neighborhood. While tonicization borrows chords momentarily, modulation stays in the new key for an extended time, like settling down. 🎸
To modulate to a distant key, fancy sequences like ascending or descending fifths can help. Example: Moving from C minor to A major might involve several tonicizations in between to smoothly transition along the circle of fifths.
Recap Fun & Key Terms 🎧
A quick musical recap:
- Secondary Leading Tone Chords: Think vii０ and viiø, but with a temporary tonic.
- Modulation: Like changing Hogwarts houses but staying there for a semester. 🎩
- Voice Leading Rules: Ensure smooth melodies and avoid chaos. 🟡
Key terms:
- Ascending Fifths Sequence: Musical elevator, up we go!
- Chromatic Harmonic Sequence: Half-step dance floor. 🕺
- Closely Related Keys: Your harmonic BFFs.
- Distantly Related Keys: Acquaintances with different accents.
- Tonicization: Minor harmonic vacation.
Remember, the Renaissance wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your musical prowess! Practice, listen, and harmonize those chords. Whether it’s a dramatic resolution or a deceptive cadence, let your compositions tell a story worthy of Mozart’s nod. 🎶🎻
Now, go forth and conquer your AP Music Theory with the grace of Beethoven and the flair of Lizzo!
