Preparation

Definition

Preparation refers to the note that precedes and anticipates a dissonant tone in music, creating a smooth transition into that dissonance. This concept is vital for creating tension and release within a musical phrase, as it enhances the listener's experience by establishing a sense of expectation before the dissonant note occurs. Preparation often involves the use of non-chord tones that lead into chord tones, enriching the harmonic texture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Preparation is usually found immediately before the dissonant tone it anticipates, ensuring a smooth transition into the tension.
2. The concept of preparation is crucial in voice leading, as it helps maintain smooth melodic lines and harmonic progressions.
3. Common examples of preparation include passing tones or neighbor tones that lead into important chord tones.
4. Preparation enhances the emotional impact of music by building anticipation for the dissonance that follows.
5. Understanding preparation is essential for composers and performers to create effective musical phrases that engage listeners.

Review Questions

• How does preparation contribute to effective voice leading in musical compositions?
  • Preparation plays a key role in voice leading by smoothing out transitions between notes, especially when moving from consonance to dissonance. By placing a preparatory note right before a dissonant tone, composers create a pathway that makes the change feel more natural and intentional. This technique not only enhances melodic flow but also helps maintain harmonic coherence throughout the piece.
• Discuss how preparation influences the emotional impact of music during moments of tension and release.
  • Preparation significantly influences the emotional trajectory of music by establishing anticipation for dissonance, which leads to heightened tension. When listeners hear a preparatory note, they subconsciously prepare for what’s to come, making the arrival of the dissonant tone more impactful. This tension creates an emotional response, and when resolution occurs afterward, it provides relief and satisfaction, emphasizing the expressive nature of the music.
• Evaluate how the concept of preparation can enhance compositional techniques in contemporary music styles.
  • In contemporary music styles, preparation can be evaluated as a tool for enriching harmonic language and expanding emotional depth within compositions. By utilizing preparation effectively, composers can create complex textures that engage listeners on multiple levels. The anticipation generated by prepared dissonance allows for innovative harmonic explorations and enhances rhythmic interplay, making it essential for modern composers seeking to connect with their audience through both tension and resolution.

Related terms

Dissonance:

A combination of notes that creates a sense of instability or tension, often requiring resolution to a consonant harmony.

Resolution:

The process by which dissonance is resolved into consonance, creating a sense of closure and stability in music.

Embellishing Tone: A non-essential note that decorates or elaborates a melody or harmony, contributing to the overall richness of the musical texture.