Alfred Day (music theorist)

Alfred Day (1810-1877) was an English music theorist best known for his development and advocacy of a controversial theory of harmony based on the supposed natural properties of the dominant 7th chord. Day's theory, outlined in his major work A Treatise on Harmony (1845), challenged traditional harmonic principles that prioritized the tonic triad.

Day posited that the dominant 7th chord was the fundamental harmonic element from which all other chords were derived. He argued that the naturally occurring overtones of a fundamental tone created a dominant 7th chord, making it the most consonant and stable sonority. This was a radical departure from established theory, which considered the dominant 7th dissonant and requiring resolution to the tonic.

Day's system further proposed a hierarchical arrangement of chords based on their relationship to the fundamental dominant 7th. He identified "chromatic discords" arising from alterations within the dominant 7th and its derived chords. Day believed that these chromatic alterations added color and expressive potential to music.

While Day's ideas garnered some attention, they were largely met with skepticism and resistance within the music theory community. His theories were criticized for being overly complex, illogical, and not adequately supported by empirical evidence or the prevailing musical practices of the time. Many found his assertion that the dominant 7th was the most consonant interval to be counterintuitive.

Despite the widespread rejection of his specific system, Day's Treatise on Harmony remains a significant historical document in the development of harmonic theory. It represents a bold attempt to reinterpret fundamental principles and offers a unique perspective on the nature of consonance and dissonance. His work sparked debate and prompted theorists to re-evaluate existing paradigms, even if they ultimately disagreed with his conclusions. While not directly influencing the mainstream evolution of tonal harmony, Alfred Day's contributions are valuable for understanding the diverse range of theoretical perspectives that emerged during the 19th century.