key term - Dissonant

Definition

Dissonant refers to a combination of tones that creates a sense of tension or conflict, as opposed to harmony. This quality is essential in music because it can evoke emotional responses and propel musical narratives forward, enhancing the overall expressiveness of a piece. Dissonance often serves as a precursor to resolution, where the tension created by dissonant intervals or chords resolves into consonance, creating a satisfying musical experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dissonance can be created through various intervals such as seconds, sevenths, and tritones, which are often perceived as harsh or unstable.
2. In tonal music, dissonance often requires resolution, leading to consonant chords which provide a sense of closure.
3. Dissonance plays a vital role in musical tension and drama, enhancing emotional expression and storytelling in compositions.
4. Composers often use dissonance intentionally to create contrast and interest within their pieces, making resolutions more impactful.
5. Different musical styles have varying approaches to dissonance; for example, jazz and contemporary music often embrace dissonance more freely than classical music.

Review Questions

• How does dissonance contribute to the emotional impact of a musical piece?
  • Dissonance contributes significantly to the emotional impact of music by creating tension and conflict that engage the listener's feelings. When composers incorporate dissonant harmonies or intervals, they evoke feelings of unease or anticipation, which can enhance the storytelling aspect of their compositions. The subsequent resolution into consonance provides relief and closure, making the overall musical experience more dynamic and expressive.
• Discuss how composers use dissonance to create contrast within a musical work.
  • Composers utilize dissonance to establish contrast by interspersing tense moments with more stable, consonant sections. By strategically placing dissonant passages, they can heighten emotional intensity during climactic points in the music. This contrast not only keeps the listener engaged but also allows for a more profound impact when returning to consonant harmonies, making those moments feel earned and satisfying.
• Evaluate the role of dissonance in shaping modern musical genres compared to classical music.
  • In modern musical genres such as jazz, rock, and contemporary classical, dissonance plays a more prominent role than in traditional classical music. While classical composers often adhered to strict rules about resolving dissonances to maintain tonal harmony, modern genres embrace dissonance as a legitimate expressive tool. This shift allows for greater experimentation and creativity, leading to innovative soundscapes that challenge conventional harmonic structures and broaden the listener's experience.

Related terms

Consonant:

Consonant describes intervals or chords that sound stable and pleasant, providing a sense of resolution and rest.

Tension:

Tension in music refers to the feeling of anticipation or unease created by dissonant harmonies or rhythms, prompting a desire for resolution.

Resolution:

Resolution is the process of moving from dissonance to consonance, where the tension created by dissonant sounds is resolved into more stable and harmonious sounds.