Text: Subtonic. The seventh degree of the ascending major scale. It is called leading because of its tendency to rise or lead up to the tonic. It is called sensitive and characterisitc, because it forms the essential difference between the modern scale and ancient modes. The Iastian or Ionic mode was the only church scale having a leading note. In consequence of the leading note forming part of the upper of the two tetrachords of which the modern scale is formed, that tetrachord is by some called characteristic.

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Source: 125