Harmonic Tension

Definition

Harmonic tension refers to the feeling of instability or anticipation created by the use of chords that lead to a resolution, often arising from dissonant harmonies. It plays a critical role in music by building emotional intensity and expectation before the music resolves to a stable harmony, commonly seen in the context of secondary dominants and leading tone chords.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harmonic tension is often created by secondary dominant chords, which temporarily tonicize a chord other than the main tonic, increasing anticipation for the resolution.
2. Leading tone chords, built on the seventh scale degree, generate strong harmonic tension as they naturally resolve to the tonic due to their close relationship with it.
3. The use of harmonic tension is essential for creating interest and movement in a piece of music, encouraging listeners to expect upcoming resolutions.
4. Composers often manipulate harmonic tension through voice leading techniques, ensuring that dissonances resolve smoothly into consonant harmonies.
5. In tonal music, harmonic tension is an important aspect of emotional expression, allowing composers to convey feelings such as excitement, longing, or conflict through their harmonic choices.

Review Questions

• How do secondary dominant chords contribute to harmonic tension in a musical composition?
  • Secondary dominant chords function to tonicize diatonic chords other than the tonic, which creates a sense of temporary resolution that heightens harmonic tension. This tension occurs because listeners anticipate a return to the primary tonic following the dissonance introduced by these chords. By leading into a non-tonic chord with a secondary dominant, composers can create an emotional pull that enhances the overall narrative of the music.
• What role do leading tone chords play in establishing harmonic tension, and how do they resolve?
  • Leading tone chords create strong harmonic tension due to their inherent dissonance and proximity to the tonic note. Built on the seventh scale degree, they naturally lead towards resolution by moving to the tonic chord. This movement creates an expectation for resolution, making leading tone chords powerful tools for composers seeking to build anticipation and emotional impact in their music.
• Evaluate the impact of harmonic tension on listener engagement and emotional response in tonal music.
  • Harmonic tension significantly enhances listener engagement by introducing moments of instability that evoke emotional responses. By effectively utilizing dissonance and resolution techniques such as secondary dominants and leading tone chords, composers can create a compelling musical narrative that captivates audiences. This interplay between tension and resolution not only sustains interest but also allows for deeper emotional connections, making harmonic tension a crucial element in tonal compositions.

Related terms

Dissonance: A combination of notes that creates a sense of instability or tension, often needing resolution to consonance.

Consonance: A combination of notes that sounds pleasant and stable, providing a sense of resolution and satisfaction.

Functional Harmony: The system of chords in tonal music that relates to each other based on their role within a key, often guiding harmonic progressions.