Neapolitan Sixth: A chord built on the lowered second scale degree, typically in first inversion, used frequently in minor keys for its distinctive sound and strong resolution tendencies.

Context and Significance

The Neapolitan Sixth chord is a staple in Western classical music, known for its ability to add dramatic tension and color to a composition. It is commonly used in minor keys, providing a chromatic alteration that enriches harmonic progressions. This chord is often employed in operatic and romantic music to heighten emotional impact, serving as a pivot to the dominant chord and enhancing the cadence’s resolution.

Historical Background

The Neapolitan Sixth originated in the Baroque period, named after its association with the Neapolitan School of music. It gained prominence during the Classical and Romantic eras, becoming a signature tool for composers like Beethoven and Chopin. The chord’s unique use of a flat second scale degree set it apart from traditional harmonies, allowing composers to explore new emotional landscapes through its rich dissonance and resolution.

Examples

The Neapolitan Sixth can be heard in Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8, “Pathétique,” where it adds emotional depth to the first movement. In Chopin’s Ballade No. 1 in G minor, the chord is used to heighten tension before resolving into more stable harmonies. Such examples highlight its effectiveness in creating drama and anticipation within a musical narrative.

Related Terms

Augmented Sixth Chord: A chord containing an augmented sixth interval, often used to resolve to the dominant.

Secondary Dominant: A dominant chord that resolves to a degree other than the tonic.

Chromaticism: The use of notes outside the standard scale to add color and tension.

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