Dissonance

Definition

Dissonance refers to a combination of notes that clash or create tension when played together, often leading to a sense of instability and unresolved conflict in music. This concept is crucial in understanding the evolution of music from traditional tonal harmony to more complex and varied forms, impacting the emotional and expressive quality of compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dissonance played a pivotal role in Igor Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring', contributing to its revolutionary impact on modern music and audiences at the time.
2. The use of dissonance often signifies tension or conflict within a piece, and composers utilize it to evoke strong emotional responses from listeners.
3. As traditional tonality began to break down in the early 20th century, dissonance became more prominent, reflecting the changing cultural landscape and artistic expression.
4. Dissonance can serve as a powerful tool for composers to build anticipation, creating a desire for resolution which is then often delayed or transformed in unexpected ways.
5. In modern compositions, dissonance is frequently embraced rather than resolved, allowing for innovative structures and new forms of expression in music.

Review Questions

• How does dissonance contribute to the emotional impact of a musical composition?
  • Dissonance enhances the emotional impact of music by creating tension and conflict that resonates with listeners. It serves as a tool for composers to evoke feelings such as anxiety, excitement, or unease, allowing them to explore complex emotional landscapes. By incorporating dissonant chords or intervals, composers can draw attention to specific moments within a piece, intensifying the overall experience for the audience.
• Discuss how Stravinsky's use of dissonance in 'Rite of Spring' reflects the breakdown of traditional tonality.
  • In 'Rite of Spring', Stravinsky's bold use of dissonance showcases a departure from traditional tonality by challenging established harmonic conventions. The frequent clashes between notes create an unsettling atmosphere that mirrors the chaotic themes explored in the ballet. This radical approach not only disrupts listeners' expectations but also exemplifies how dissonance became essential in expressing the complexities of modern life during that era.
• Evaluate the role of dissonance in shaping the trajectory of 20th-century music and its connection to cultural changes.
  • Dissonance played a critical role in shaping 20th-century music by facilitating the shift away from traditional harmonic structures towards more experimental forms. As composers embraced dissonance, they reflected the tumultuous cultural changes occurring during this time, including industrialization, war, and shifting social norms. This movement towards greater freedom in musical expression allowed for diverse styles and genres to emerge, ultimately redefining what music could convey about human experience in a rapidly changing world.

Related terms

Consonance: A combination of notes that sound pleasant and stable when played together, often providing a sense of resolution in music.

Atonality: A musical approach that avoids establishing a key center, leading to a greater use of dissonance without resolution.

Harmony: The combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously, which can include both consonant and dissonant elements.