MusicianCV · TRTemporary tonicization with a secondary dominant
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Degrees and function
A secondary dominant directs dominant energy toward a chord other than the tonic. This temporary tonicization need not establish a full new key. Resolution helps identify the chord’s function.
In C major, D major or D7 can lead to G as V/V. F-sharp strengthens the pull to G. Returning to the C-major context afterwards makes the temporary nature of the event clearer.
Example
C–D7–G7–C uses a dominant of the dominant.
Temporary tonicization with a secondary dominantD7 → G → C
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What is the root of V/V in C major?
Answer
D; its target is G.Related topics
What tonic and dominant do · Leading voices between chordsReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Subject-expert review pending.