Dissonance

Definition

Dissonance refers to the combination of tones that create a sense of tension or instability, often contrasting with consonance, which provides a sense of resolution. This tension is a crucial component in music, particularly in opera, as it enhances emotional expression and drives the drama forward. By using dissonance effectively, composers can create moments that reflect conflict, intensity, and heightened feelings within the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dissonance is often used in opera to reflect moments of dramatic conflict or emotional turmoil within the storyline.
2. The use of dissonance can vary greatly depending on the style and period of the opera, with composers like Wagner employing it extensively to enhance dramatic effect.
3. In the context of voice and orchestra, dissonance can create a complex interplay between the singer's melody and the instrumental accompaniment.
4. Composers use dissonance not just for emotional expression but also to manipulate audience expectations regarding musical resolution.
5. Certain intervals are traditionally viewed as dissonant, such as minor seconds or tritones, but their perception can change based on context and cultural norms.

Review Questions

• How does dissonance function in operatic music to enhance emotional expression?
  • Dissonance plays a significant role in operatic music by creating tension that reflects the characters' emotional states and conflicts within the narrative. By incorporating dissonant chords or intervals, composers are able to evoke feelings of unease or anticipation, making key moments more impactful. This tension often leads to resolutions through consonance, which can provide catharsis for both characters and the audience alike.
• Discuss the relationship between dissonance and harmony in an operatic context, particularly regarding voice and orchestration.
  • In opera, dissonance and harmony are interdependent elements that work together to convey the emotional landscape of the story. Dissonant passages can create tension against a harmonious orchestral backdrop, highlighting specific vocal lines or dramatic moments. This relationship allows composers to craft intricate dialogues between the voice and orchestra, where dissonant elements draw attention to pivotal actions or feelings expressed by the singers.
• Evaluate how different composers have utilized dissonance throughout the history of opera to convey complex themes and emotions.
  • Throughout opera history, different composers have employed dissonance in varied ways to address complex themes. For instance, Wagner's use of chromaticism often blurred tonal boundaries, immersing audiences in a world of heightened emotion and existential conflict. In contrast, Puccini used dissonance more sparingly but effectively to underscore moments of tragic revelation. Analyzing these approaches reveals how composers manipulate dissonance not only as a musical technique but also as a powerful narrative tool that shapes the overall emotional experience of the opera.

Related terms

Consonance: A harmonious combination of tones that provides a sense of stability and resolution, often used in contrast to dissonance.

Harmony: The combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously, contributing to the overall sound and emotional effect of a piece.

Tension and Release: A musical concept that refers to the buildup of tension through dissonance followed by a resolution through consonance, creating emotional movement in music.