Resolution

Definition

Resolution in music refers to the process of a dissonant chord or note moving to a consonant chord or note, creating a sense of closure and satisfaction in the harmony. This movement is fundamental to tonal music, especially in counterpoint and harmony, as it establishes the functional relationships between chords and contributes to the overall emotional impact of a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Baroque music, resolution often follows a dominant seventh chord resolving to the tonic, which is a hallmark of tonal harmony.
2. Bach frequently employed resolution techniques to create emotional depth, using counterpoint to interweave melodies that resolve effectively.
3. The concept of resolution helps define functional harmony by establishing expectations for how chords relate to each other within a piece.
4. Resolution can occur at different structural levels, including phrases, sections, and entire movements, impacting the overall coherence of the music.
5. In Bach's works, the use of chromaticism often enhances the feeling of tension before resolution occurs, adding complexity to his harmonic language.

Review Questions

• How does resolution function in the context of counterpoint and harmony in Baroque music?
  • Resolution is essential in Baroque music as it dictates how dissonances resolve into consonances, shaping the emotional landscape of compositions. In counterpoint, this means that when two or more melodic lines interact, their moments of tension must lead to satisfying resolutions. Bach’s mastery of counterpoint showcases how he skillfully balances these resolutions to create a coherent musical narrative.
• Discuss the role of dissonance and consonance in the process of resolution within Bach's compositions.
  • In Bach's compositions, dissonance serves as a tool to create tension that demands resolution into consonance. The interplay between these two elements forms the backbone of his harmonic structure. For instance, when a dissonant chord appears, it typically resolves to a consonant chord, leading to a sense of release for the listener. This balance is crucial for maintaining interest and emotional engagement throughout his works.
• Evaluate how Bach's approach to resolution reflects broader trends in Baroque music and its emotional expressiveness.
  • Bach's approach to resolution highlights significant trends in Baroque music regarding emotional depth and structural coherence. By utilizing complex dissonances that resolve effectively, he not only adheres to the tonal framework but also elevates emotional expressiveness. His use of chromaticism before resolutions adds layers of tension that resonate with listeners on multiple levels, exemplifying how Baroque composers sought to convey profound emotions through structured harmonic progressions.

Related terms

Dissonance:

A combination of notes that creates a sense of tension or instability, often requiring resolution to a more stable consonance.

Consonance:

A harmonious combination of notes that creates a sense of stability and rest, often following dissonance in musical progression.

Counterpoint:

The art of combining different melodic lines in a musical composition, where resolution plays a key role in creating harmony between the lines.