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

The leading note of his style is distinction.

From Van Dyck A Collection Of Fifteen Pictures And A Portrait Of The Painter With Introduction And Interpretation by Hurll, Estelle M. (Estelle May)

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)

It is in a curious minor mode, almost F minor, but wanting the leading note, which is replaced by E flat.

From Jamaican Song and Story Annancy stories, digging sings, ring tunes, and dancing tunes by Jekyll, Walter