Avainsävy

Avainsävy is a Finnish term that translates to "key tone" or "tonic" in English music theory. It refers to the fundamental note or pitch around which a musical composition or section is organized. The avainsävy establishes the tonal center of a piece, meaning that other notes and chords in the music tend to resolve to or be heard in relation to this central pitch.

In Western tonal music, the avainsävy is typically the first note of a scale, such as C in the C major scale. The entire system of harmony and melody in a key is built upon this foundation. For example, in a piece in C major, the C note is the avainsävy, and the chords and melodies will often gravitate towards it. The presence of the avainsävy gives a piece a sense of stability and completion.

Identifying the avainsävy is crucial for understanding the harmonic structure and emotional character of a musical work. Composers use the avainsävy to create expectations and resolutions, which are fundamental to the listening experience in tonal music. The concept of avainsävy is deeply ingrained in the study and analysis of music, providing a framework for understanding how melodies and harmonies function together.