The two strongest notes in a melody can be determined by their specific importance and functionality within the piece. This can be analyzed by examining their letter name and scale degree, as well as their roles in forming cadences and creating a specific musical effect on the listener.
For the purpose of this explanation, let's assume that the melody is written in the key of C major.
1. The first strong note is the tonic (or the key note) of the song, which is C. In terms of scale degree, it is considered the first note (the tonic). This note is generally the most stable and resolved sounding note in a piece, as it represents a point of rest and closure. Its stability within the key creates a sense of homecoming and finality when played.
2. The second strong note is the dominant note, which is G in the key of C major. In terms of scale degree, it is considered the fifth note (the dominant). The dominant note has a tension-building quality, which creates a desire for resolution back to the tonic. It holds the most harmonic weight after the tonic and gives a sense of forward motion or anticipation within a musical phrase.
In terms of cadences, the melody can utilize these two strong notes to form cadences that provide a sense of conclusion and musical direction:
1. The authentic cadence: By using the tonic (C) and dominant (G) notes, the melody can create an authentic cadence, specifically the perfect authentic cadence (PAC). This cadence is formed by ending a phrase with a progression from the dominant chord (G major) to the tonic chord (C major). The strong pull from the dominant to the tonic results in a satisfying resolution and a feeling of closure for the listener.
2. The half cadence: The dominant (G) note can also be used to form a half cadence. This cadence is created by ending a phrase with a progression from the dominant chord (G major) to any chord other than the tonic chord. The half cadence gives a sense of temporarily pausing or suspension in the music, as it delays the resolution back to the tonic, leaving a feeling of anticipation and a desire for continuation.
By centering the melody around the tonic and dominant notes, the composer achieves a balance between stability and tension within the piece. This interplay of stability and tension keeps the listener engaged by providing resolution points (tonic) and creating musical tension to propel the melody forward (dominant). The choice of these two strong notes helps create a cohesive and harmonically satisfying melody, generating a sense of familiarity and musical satisfaction for the listener.
Name the two strongest notes by letter name and also by their scale degree names. Explain how you chose these 2 notes, how they function to form 2 types of cadences within this piece, what they "give" to the listener, and anything else you know about why I wrote the melody of this song around those 2 notes.
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