Mediant
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- For mediant in mathematics, see mediant (mathematics).
In music, the mediant is the third degree of the diatonic scale, being the "middle" note of the tonic triad. For example, in the C major scale (white keys on a piano, starting on C), the mediant is the note E; and the mediant chord uses the notes E, G, and B. In music theory, the mediant chord is symbolized by the Roman numeral iii if it is within the major mode (because it is a minor triad, for example E-G-B in C major) or III if it is within the minor mode (because it is a major triad, for example E♭-G-B♭ in C minor).
"Mediant" also refers to a relationship of musical keys. For example, relative to the key of C major, the key of E major (or E minor) is the mediant. Modulation (change of key) to the mediant is relatively rare in classical harmony, compared with, say, modulation to the dominant, but mediant modulations is an important feature of late romantic music.
In German theory derived from Hugo Riemann the mediant in major is considered the dominant parallel, Dp, and in minor the tonic parallel, tP.
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