V–vi–IV–V in A♭ Major
Pattern: V – vi – IV – V
Chords: E♭ – Fm – D♭ – E♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| V | E♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
| vi | Fm (details) | minor | Submediant |
| IV | D♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
| V | E♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through E♭ (Dominant) → Fm (Submediant) → D♭ (Subdominant) → E♭ (Dominant).
A progression that evades the expected tonic resolution by moving to vi, then circles back through IV to re-establish dominant tension. This technique extends phrases in Classical sonata development sections.
Song Examples
- Symphony No. 94 (Surprise) — Joseph Haydn
- Piano Concerto No. 21 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart