superdominant

superdominant

The conductor points to the superdominant in the musical score.

Definition
  1. Noun (Music):
    • The sixth degree of a diatonic scale: In music theory, the "superdominant" is the note that is a sixth above the tonic (the first note of a scale). It is also known as the submediant, as it lies halfway between the tonic and the subdominant (the fourth degree). This note often serves as a point of tension or transition in harmonic progressions.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • In the key of C major, the superdominant is the note A. (The sixth degree of the C major scale.)
    • The composer used the superdominant to create a sense of anticipation before resolving to the tonic. (The note functions as a harmonic pivot.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Superdominant chord": A chord built on the superdominant note (the sixth degree of the scale), often used in jazz and classical music to add colour or lead to a cadence.

    • The superdominant chord in a minor key can be particularly expressive. (The chord based on the sixth degree.)

  • "Superdominant function": The role of the superdominant in a harmonic progression, typically as a pre-dominant or a substitute for the subdominant.

    • The superdominant function often precedes the dominant chord. (Its harmonic role.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Submediant (n): Another term for the superdominant, specifically the sixth degree of a scale (from Latin "sub" meaning "below" and "mediant" meaning "middle").

    • The submediant is the same as the superdominant. (Synonymous in most contexts.)

  • Dominant (n): The fifth degree of a diatonic scale, which is the note above the superdominant.

    • The dominant is a more common term than superdominant in basic music theory. (A related scale degree.)
Synonyms
  • Submediant: The standard synonym in music theory, especially in classical contexts.
  • Sixth degree: A descriptive term for the note's position in the scale.
Related Idioms
  • "To reach the superdominant": In music composition, to arrive at the sixth degree in a melody or harmony, often as a point of departure.
    • In this piece, the melody reaches the superdominant before the climax. (The note is used as a structural element.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • No common phrasal verbs are associated with "superdominant," as it is a technical musical term and not used in everyday verb constructions.