Final answer:
In the tonal system, a dominant pitch is established as the central tone, around which music revolves, creating a hierarchy of tones. The perception of pitch is not significantly influenced by timbre. Therefore, it is not accurate to state that no pitch is perceived as dominant over another, as tonality inherently involves a sense of pitch hierarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the tonal system, a pitch is perceived as dominant when it stands out as the central tone around which the music is organized. However, it is incorrect to say that no one pitch is perceived as dominant over another universally, as the principles of tonal music involve the establishment of a hierarchy of tones, with one tone acting as the 'tonic' or home base, to which the music ultimately resolves. The dominant tone, usually a perfect fifth above the tonic, often leads back to this home pitch, creating a sense of resolution.
The perception of pitch is directly related to frequency and while timbre, which refers to tone quality or the 'color' of music, can alter the character of a sound and give it a unique identity, pitch itself is a central aspect of tonal music. Different instruments produce different timbres; for example, middle C on a violin has a different timbre compared to a piano playing the same pitch, but the dominance of a pitch in tonal music is not determined by timbre.