"By affinity the notes group in chords. The tonic is the center chord, the key of harmony; the dominant is the fifth above it and the subdominant the fifth below it, and these two are balanced on the center chord as the scales on a balance beam. The dominant chord is vigorous and active, tending to soar; the subdominant is solemn, soft, and grave, tending to sink; the tonic is melodious and restful, and in it the harmony of equilibrium. This far AFFINITY." [Scientific Basis and Build of Music, page 91]

See Also

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balance
center
center of the body
center of the system
center point balance equilibrium fulcrum
concord
concordance
equilibrium
harmony
key of harmony
neutral center
order of threes
point of suspension
Scientific Basis and Build of Music
Scientific Basis and Build of Music - Index
System of Musical Sounds
three chords of three notes
two-thirds of one-third