Sonority

Definition

Sonority refers to the perceived loudness or richness of a sound, often influenced by its pitch and timbre. In music, sonority can play a crucial role in determining the character and emotional expression of a piece, especially as traditional tonal structures began to break down in the 20th century. This concept allows composers to explore new textures and harmonic possibilities beyond established norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sonority plays an important role in the exploration of new musical languages during the breakdown of traditional tonality in the early 20th century.
2. Composers like Arnold Schoenberg and Igor Stravinsky utilized sonority to create complex textures that challenge conventional harmonic structures.
3. The concept of sonority is closely tied to the use of unconventional scales and modes that emerge as tonality becomes less defined.
4. Sonority can influence the emotional impact of music by manipulating texture and density, creating different atmospheres for listeners.
5. In modern compositions, sonority allows for the incorporation of extended techniques and non-traditional sound sources, expanding the palette available to composers.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of sonority influence modern compositions in the context of traditional tonality?
  • Sonority significantly impacts modern compositions by allowing composers to move away from traditional tonal structures. As sonority emphasizes the richness and complexity of sound rather than adhering strictly to established chords and scales, it enables composers to create new musical languages. This shift allows for innovative textures and emotional expressions that reflect the evolving nature of music in the 20th century.
• Discuss how composers like Schoenberg and Stravinsky utilized sonority to shape their musical works during the breakdown of traditional tonality.
  • Schoenberg and Stravinsky both embraced sonority as a tool to break free from conventional harmonic expectations. Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique focused on equalizing all pitches, creating a rich tapestry of sounds that prioritized sonority over tonality. Similarly, Stravinsky’s use of rhythm and layered orchestration showcased complex sonorities that contributed to an emotional depth while challenging traditional notions of melody and harmony.
• Evaluate the role of sonority in expressing emotion within modern musical contexts, considering its relationship with dissonance and texture.
  • Sonority plays a crucial role in expressing emotion in modern music by enhancing the texture and density of sound. As composers manipulate dissonance alongside sonorous qualities, they create feelings of tension or resolution that resonate deeply with listeners. This relationship allows for a broader emotional range; complex sonorities can evoke feelings from despair to joy, effectively reflecting the multifaceted nature of human experience through sound.

Related terms

Timbre: The quality or color of a sound that distinguishes different types of sound production, such as instruments or voices, even when they are playing the same pitch.

Dissonance: A combination of tones that creates a sense of instability or tension, often used to enhance emotional expression in music.

Polyphony: A style of musical composition that involves multiple independent melodies being sung or played simultaneously, creating rich and complex sonorities.