Resolution

Definition

Resolution refers to the process by which a musical tension is released, often leading to a sense of closure or stability in a progression. It typically involves moving from a dissonant chord or note to a consonant one, and this transition plays a crucial role in establishing the overall emotional narrative of a piece. Understanding resolution helps musicians recognize how melodies and harmonies interact to create musical coherence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution often occurs in chord progressions where a dominant chord resolves to the tonic, creating a satisfying ending.
2. In the context of seventh chords, resolution may involve moving from an unstable seventh chord to its root position, enhancing the feeling of closure.
3. Non-chord tones can create tension that resolves when they move to chord tones, contributing to the overall sense of movement in music.
4. The function of scale degrees plays a vital role in resolution, as certain degrees inherently lead to more stable or unstable harmonies.
5. Cadences are specific musical formulas that utilize resolution to provide closure at the end of musical phrases or sections.

Review Questions

• How does resolution contribute to the effectiveness of chord progressions in music?
  • Resolution is essential in chord progressions because it creates a sense of tension and release. When a dissonant chord resolves to a consonant one, it provides emotional satisfaction and clarity within the music. This process helps define the structure of a piece and guides the listener's expectations, making it easier to follow the musical narrative.
• Discuss the relationship between scale degree functions and resolution in music composition.
  • Scale degree functions are crucial for understanding how resolution works in music. Certain scale degrees, like the leading tone (7th degree), create tension that resolves when they move to the tonic (1st degree). Composers often use these functional relationships to build anticipation and deliver satisfying resolutions, enhancing the overall musical experience.
• Evaluate the role of cadences in achieving resolution and their impact on musical form.
  • Cadences play a pivotal role in achieving resolution by marking the end of musical phrases with specific harmonic patterns. They signal to listeners when a section is concluding or transitioning, reinforcing structure within compositions. Analyzing cadences allows musicians to understand how resolution affects pacing and emotional impact throughout a piece, shaping its overall form and coherence.

Related terms

Dissonance:

A combination of notes that sounds unstable or tense, creating a desire for resolution.

Consonance:

A combination of notes that sounds stable and pleasant, often resulting from the resolution of dissonance.

Cadence:

A melodic or harmonic configuration that creates a sense of resolution at the end of a phrase.