Tonicization through Secondary Dominant Chords

Definition

Tonicization through secondary dominant chords refers to the temporary shift of tonal center to a different key by using a dominant chord from that key. It creates a sense of tension and resolution, enhancing the musical progression.

Analogy

Imagine you're at a party where everyone is dancing to the beat of one song. Suddenly, someone starts playing a new song on their phone, and everyone's attention shifts to that catchy tune for a moment before returning to the original song. That's how tonicization through secondary dominant chords works - it briefly takes us to another musical "party" before bringing us back home.

Related terms

Secondary Dominant Chords: These are chords borrowed from another key that serve as dominants (V) in relation to non-tonicized chords within the current key.

Secondary Leading Tone Chords: Similar to secondary dominant chords, these are borrowed chords that function as leading tones (viiø7) in relation to non-tonicized chords within the current key.

Modulation: This term refers to a more permanent change of tonal center, usually achieved by transitioning smoothly between keys.