Dissonance

Definition

Dissonance refers to a combination of notes that creates a sense of tension or instability, often requiring resolution to a more stable sound. It is an essential aspect of music that can enhance emotional expression and drive harmonic progression, making it closely linked to intervals, scales, chords, and non-chord tones.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dissonant intervals include minor seconds, tritones, and major sevenths, which are often perceived as harsh or unstable compared to consonant intervals.
2. In Western classical music, dissonance typically resolves to consonance, creating a satisfying musical experience that enhances emotional depth.
3. Extended and altered chords frequently incorporate dissonant intervals, adding complexity and richness to harmonic progressions.
4. Non-chord tones are often used as dissonances that resolve into chord tones, helping to create movement and interest in a musical line.
5. Dissonance plays a critical role in modern music styles, where it can be used for expressive effect or to challenge traditional notions of harmony.

Review Questions

• How does dissonance function within harmonic progressions to create tension and resolution?
  • Dissonance serves as a crucial element in harmonic progressions by introducing tension that demands resolution. When dissonant intervals or chords appear, they create an expectation for movement towards consonant resolutions. This tension adds emotional depth to the music, guiding listeners through a journey of instability and comfort as the harmony shifts between dissonance and consonance.
• Analyze the impact of dissonance on the use of extended and altered chords in modern compositions.
  • Dissonance is integral to extended and altered chords, as these chords often contain non-standard intervals that create tension. In modern compositions, composers leverage this tension to evoke specific emotions or to push the boundaries of traditional harmonic structures. The careful placement of dissonance can enhance the complexity of the music, allowing for rich textures and dynamic contrasts that resonate with contemporary audiences.
• Evaluate the role of dissonance in non-chord tones and its effect on melodic development within a piece.
  • Dissonance created by non-chord tones plays a vital role in melodic development by adding layers of complexity and expressiveness. As these tones introduce moments of tension against stable chord tones, they generate interest and movement within the melody. This technique encourages composers to explore varied emotional landscapes and engage listeners by balancing moments of instability with resolutions that satisfy the ear.

Related terms

Consonance: Consonance describes the harmonious combination of notes that sound pleasant together, providing a sense of resolution and stability.

Tension and Release: This concept refers to the build-up of musical tension through dissonance, which is eventually resolved into consonance, creating a satisfying musical experience.

Harmonic Function: The role that chords play in establishing the tonality and movement within a piece of music, which often involves the use of both dissonance and consonance.