Kodominanta

Kodominanta refers to a specific musical concept within harmony, particularly in tonal music. It describes the relationship between two dominant chords that share the same tonic. In simpler terms, when a musical piece is in a particular key, there are chords that strongly pull towards the tonic. The dominant chord is the most prominent of these. Kodominance arises when two different dominant chords, both related to the same tonic, are used in succession or in close proximity. This often occurs in a context where the music is transitioning between keys or creating a richer harmonic texture.

The most common instance of kodominance involves the dominant of the dominant. For example, in the key of C major, the dominant chord is G major. The dominant of G major is D major. Therefore, D major and G major can be considered kodominant chords in relation to the tonic C. This movement from D major to G major, and then often to C major, creates a strong sense of harmonic motion and resolution. Kodominant relationships are a valuable tool for composers to add color, complexity, and drive to their music, enabling smooth modulations and unexpected harmonic turns. It is a way to embellish the typical dominant-tonic progression by introducing an intermediary dominant function.