What does the functional chord symbol 'V' represent in tonal music?

In tonal music, the functional chord symbol 'V' represents the dominant function. This signifies the fifth scale degree of a given key, and it commonly indicates the chord that builds tension and leads back to the tonic, which is the home chord or the 'I' chord. The dominant chord, typically a major chord in a major key or a minor chord in a minor key, plays a crucial role in establishing harmonic progressions and resolving back to the tonic chord.

The dominant function is essential for creating a sense of movement within music; it often includes the chord tones that create a strong pull to the tonic, making it foundational to Western tonal music practices. Understanding the role of the dominant chord enriches one’s comprehension of harmonic sequences and the overall structure of tonal music. This dominant-to-tonic relationship is a primary characteristic of functional harmony, which underpins much of Western music tradition.

Each of the other functions mentioned, such as subdominant, tonic, and leading tone, serve distinct roles but do not convey the same imperative forward motion toward resolution that the dominant function embodies. Hence, 'V' is distinctly identified with the dominant function within tonal structures.