leading tone

American  

[lee-ding] / ˈli dɪŋ /

noun

Music.

1. the seventh degree of a diatonic scale; subtonic.

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Etymology

Origin of leading tone

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

In the last measure but one, both the supertonic and leading tone should appear.

From A Treatise on Simple Counterpoint in Forty Lessons by Lehmann, Friedrich Johann

Old coloured prints need narrow black passepartout, while broad passepartout in pink, blue or pale green to match the leading tone in wall paper makes your quaint, old black-and-white prints very decorative.

From The Art of Interior Decoration by Wood, Grace

The theme is treated with reverence, delicacy and judgment, and the leading tone is that of a mighty hymn of rejoicing.

From For Every Music Lover A Series of Practical Essays on Music by Moore, Aubertine Woodward

This avoidance of the seventh or leading tone is seen throughout the symphony as well as in the traditional jubilee tunes.

From Symphonies and Their Meaning; Third Series, Modern Symphonies by Goepp, Philip H.

The color of blood is this plainly taken for the leading tone in the storm-clouds above the "Slave-ship."

From Modern Painters, Volume IV (of V) by Ruskin, John