Dissonance

Definition

Dissonance refers to a combination of tones that produces a sense of instability or tension, often creating a desire for resolution. In music, it contrasts with consonance, where harmonious combinations create a sense of rest and satisfaction. Dissonance plays a significant role in expressing emotional depth and complexity, particularly in the context of early 20th-century music movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dissonance was prominently utilized by composers like Arnold Schoenberg, who explored its potential to evoke complex emotions and challenge traditional tonal structures.
2. The Second Viennese School is known for pushing the boundaries of harmony and melody, often incorporating dissonance as a central element of their musical language.
3. Dissonance can create tension and conflict within a piece of music, driving the narrative forward and engaging listeners on a deeper emotional level.
4. In Expressionism, dissonance was often used to reflect inner turmoil and psychological states, mirroring the themes of anxiety and alienation prevalent in the art of the time.
5. The acceptance and exploration of dissonance marked a significant departure from classical harmony, leading to new forms of musical expression and innovation in the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did composers from the Second Viennese School utilize dissonance in their works to convey emotional depth?
  • Composers from the Second Viennese School, such as Arnold Schoenberg, embraced dissonance as a means to convey complex emotions and challenge traditional musical forms. They often employed dissonant chords and harmonic structures to create tension and conflict within their compositions. This approach allowed them to explore psychological themes and emotional experiences that resonated deeply with listeners, marking a shift towards more expressive forms of music.
• In what ways does dissonance serve as a crucial component in the expressionist movement within music?
  • Dissonance plays a vital role in the expressionist movement by enabling composers to express intense emotions and psychological struggles. Through the use of dissonant harmonies and melodies, musicians could evoke feelings of anxiety, despair, or alienation that aligned with the visual arts and literature of the time. This emphasis on emotional expression through dissonance helped redefine musical language and pushed boundaries beyond traditional tonal frameworks.
• Evaluate the impact of dissonance on the evolution of 20th-century music, considering its relationship with both tradition and innovation.
  • The impact of dissonance on 20th-century music was profound, as it represented a break from traditional harmonic practices while simultaneously laying the groundwork for innovative compositions. By challenging established norms around consonance and harmony, composers were able to experiment with new soundscapes that reflected contemporary realities and emotions. This evolution allowed for diverse musical styles to emerge, showcasing dissonance not just as a mere tool but as a vital force that redefined musical identity during this transformative era.

Related terms

Consonance: A combination of notes that sounds stable and pleasant, often serving as a resolution to dissonance.

Twelve-tone technique: A compositional method developed by Arnold Schoenberg that uses all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a specific sequence to create a sense of equality among pitches, often leading to increased use of dissonance.

Expressionism:

An artistic movement that sought to express emotional experiences rather than physical reality, heavily influencing the use of dissonance in music to convey intense feelings.