Dissonance

Definition

Dissonance refers to the combination of tones that create a sense of tension, instability, or conflict within music. This feeling contrasts with consonance, which provides a sense of resolution and rest. Dissonance plays a crucial role in the emotional landscape of music, as it can evoke feelings of unease or anticipation, often leading to resolutions that bring satisfaction and closure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dissonance is essential for creating musical interest, as it adds complexity and emotional depth to compositions.
2. Different styles of music utilize dissonance in unique ways; for example, jazz often embraces dissonance more freely compared to classical music.
3. The degree of dissonance can vary depending on the specific intervals involved; some intervals are perceived as more dissonant than others.
4. In voice leading, resolving dissonant intervals properly is critical to achieve smooth transitions between chords.
5. In the context of seventh chords, the presence of dissonance helps to define their function within harmonic progressions.

Review Questions

• How does dissonance contribute to the overall emotional impact of a musical piece?
  • Dissonance creates tension and instability, which can evoke feelings of unease or anticipation in listeners. This emotional impact is significant because it prepares the audience for resolution, enhancing the overall experience of the piece. When dissonance is resolved into consonance, it provides a satisfying release that contributes to the narrative arc of the music.
• In what ways does proper voice leading help resolve dissonances effectively in harmony?
  • Proper voice leading ensures that each note moves smoothly from one chord to another, particularly when dealing with dissonances. By carefully managing the movement of individual voices, dissonant intervals can be resolved in a way that maintains melodic coherence and harmonic clarity. This practice not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the music but also supports the functional roles of different chords in progression.
• Evaluate how composers use dissonance in different genres to shape their musical language and listener expectations.
  • Composers across genres utilize dissonance to create distinctive musical languages and influence listener expectations. In classical music, dissonance is often employed to build tension before resolving into consonance, guiding listeners through emotional journeys. In contrast, genres like jazz might embrace dissonance more liberally, allowing for improvisation and unique harmonic explorations. This varied use of dissonance reflects each genre's approach to structure and expression, showcasing its versatility in shaping musical identity.

Related terms

Consonance:

Consonance describes the harmonious combination of sounds that creates a sense of stability and resolution in music.

Tension:

Tension in music refers to the feeling of anticipation or unrest created by dissonant chords or intervals that demand resolution.

Resolution:

Resolution is the process by which dissonant chords or intervals move to consonant chords or intervals, providing a sense of closure in music.