leading note

British  

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

1. another word for subtonic

2. (esp in cadences) a note, usually the subtonic of a scale, that tends most naturally to resolve to the note lying one semitone above it

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Example Sentences

But Gaga goes down, leaving that “bad” leading note hanging.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2014

Not infrequently the theme ends on the leading note or supertonic which strikes the ear with a perpetual surprise, the cadence leading one to anticipate a repetition rather than a conclusion of the air.

From Stories and Ballads of the Far Past Translated from the Norse (Icelandic and Faroese) with Introductions and Notes by Kershaw, Nora

Brunetiere, his fervent admirer, has named him the theologian of Providence, and has shown that in all his writings this doctrine is a leading note.

From The Idea of Progress An inguiry into its origin and growth by Bury, J. B. (John Bagnell)

Nothing will stay them, the seasons go onward,     Lightly the bright months fly out of my hand, Softly the leading note calls a new octave;     Autumn is coming and what have I done?

From Poems by Shanks, Edward

The epistles to the Colossians and Ephesians strike the leading note of the controversies of the Church in this region during its first ages.

From The Expositor's Bible: Ephesians by Findlay, G. G.