Italian sixth meaning

Italian sixth chord is a chord containing an augmented sixth above the bass note, typically resolved to a dominant chord.


Italian sixth definitions

Word backwards nailatI htxis
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "Italian" is an adjective, while "sixth" is an ordinal number.
Syllabic division Ital-ian sixth
Plural Italian sixths
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) i,a,i
Consonants (7) i,t,l,n,s,x,h

Italian sixth is a type of chord in music theory that adds a unique and colorful sound to compositions. This chord is a major triad with an added augmented sixth, creating a distinct dissonance that resolves in an interesting way. The Italian sixth chord is often used in classical music, particularly in the Romantic period, to add tension and enhance harmonic progression.

Origin of Italian Sixth Chord

The Italian sixth chord gets its name from its prevalence in Italian opera during the 18th and 19th centuries. Composers like Giuseppe Verdi and Gioachino Rossini utilized this chord to create emotional depth and drama in their works. The chord's dissonant yet resolving quality made it a popular choice for composers looking to evoke powerful emotions in their music.

Structure and Characteristics

The Italian sixth chord is made up of the root note, a major third above the root, a perfect fifth above the root, and an augmented sixth above the root. This augmented sixth is what gives the chord its distinctive sound and harmonic tension. When resolved correctly, the Italian sixth chord moves smoothly to the dominant chord, creating a satisfying resolution.

Usage in Composition

Composers often use the Italian sixth chord to create moments of tension and release in their music. By introducing this chord at strategic points in a piece, composers can add depth and interest to the harmonic progression. The resolution of the Italian sixth chord to the dominant chord provides a sense of closure and stability, making it a versatile tool for composers to evoke different emotions in their music.

In conclusion, the Italian sixth chord is a harmonic device that has been utilized by composers for centuries to add complexity and emotion to their compositions. Its dissonant yet resolving nature makes it a powerful tool for creating tension and release in music, making it a staple in the repertoire of many classical composers.


Italian sixth Examples

  1. The Italian sixth chord added a unique flair to the musical composition.
  2. Some music theorists argue that the Italian sixth is the most consonant of all augmented sixth chords.
  3. In classical music, composers often use the Italian sixth chord to add tension before resolving to the dominant.
  4. The Italian sixth chord consists of a major sixth above the bass note and a major third above the sixth.
  5. The Italian sixth chord is commonly found in the music of the Romantic period.
  6. The Italian sixth chord can also be referred to as the It+6 or the It chord.
  7. Students studying music theory often learn about the characteristics and resolutions of the Italian sixth chord.
  8. The Italian sixth chord is one of the three main types of augmented sixth chords used in music.
  9. Composers like Beethoven and Chopin have used the Italian sixth chord in their compositions.
  10. Understanding the Italian sixth chord can enhance the appreciation of classical music.


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  • Updated 04/05/2024 - 22:45:36