Dissonance

Definition

Dissonance refers to a combination of tones that creates a sense of tension, instability, or conflict in music. This term is essential in music composition, as it can evoke various emotional responses and enhance storytelling through sound. Dissonance plays a crucial role in building suspense or drama in film scores, making it a powerful tool for composers to manipulate audience reactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dissonance is often used strategically in film scoring to create suspense or highlight moments of conflict within a narrative.
2. Certain intervals, like minor seconds and tritones, are commonly considered dissonant and can evoke feelings of unease when used in compositions.
3. Dissonance can be resolved into consonance, which provides a satisfying emotional release, often mirroring character arcs in films.
4. The effective use of dissonance and resolution can significantly enhance the emotional impact of a scene, guiding viewers' feelings and reactions.
5. Composers often manipulate dissonance throughout a piece to maintain interest and dynamic tension, keeping audiences engaged with the storyline.

Review Questions

• How does dissonance contribute to the emotional narrative of a film score?
  • Dissonance plays a critical role in shaping the emotional narrative of a film score by creating tension and conflict that reflects the storyline. When used effectively, dissonant chords evoke feelings of unease or anxiety, mirroring characters' struggles or pivotal moments in the plot. This manipulation of sound helps guide the audience's emotional journey, making key scenes more impactful.
• In what ways can composers use dissonance to enhance storytelling through music?
  • Composers can use dissonance to enhance storytelling by strategically placing dissonant elements during critical moments to build suspense or highlight dramatic events. By pairing dissonance with visual cues in the film, they can amplify emotions such as fear, tension, or conflict. Moreover, resolving dissonance into consonance can signify character growth or resolution, providing viewers with an emotional payoff that aligns with the narrative arc.
• Evaluate the significance of balancing dissonance and consonance in film music composition.
  • Balancing dissonance and consonance is vital for maintaining the emotional flow and engagement of the audience within film music composition. An effective interplay between these elements creates tension that keeps viewers invested in the story while also providing moments of resolution that lead to satisfaction. Over-reliance on either aspect may result in an unbalanced score; too much dissonance can cause discomfort without payoff, while excessive consonance might lead to predictability and monotony. Thus, skilled composers must thoughtfully navigate this balance to evoke the desired emotional responses throughout the film.

Related terms

Consonance: Consonance refers to a combination of notes that are harmonically pleasing and stable, often providing a sense of resolution in music.

Tension:

Tension is the emotional or musical quality created by dissonance, often leading to a desire for resolution or release.

Resolution:

Resolution is the process by which dissonant chords move to consonant chords, creating a sense of closure or satisfaction in music.