Resolution

Definition

Resolution refers to the process of a dissonant harmony or note moving to a consonant one, creating a sense of closure and stability in music. This shift from tension to relaxation is essential in harmonic progressions, leading to a satisfying musical experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution typically occurs at points of harmonic progression, where dominant chords resolve to tonic chords, providing a sense of completion.
2. In four-part writing, resolution is crucial as it guides voice leading, ensuring smooth transitions between chords while maintaining harmonic function.
3. Suspensions and retardations are specific types of resolutions that involve delaying the release of tension before finally resolving to a consonant harmony.
4. The use of pedal points can influence resolution by providing a sustained note around which harmonies can resolve, creating a rich textural effect.
5. Chromatic modulation often complicates resolution, as it introduces unexpected pitches that require careful handling to achieve consonance within the new key.

Review Questions

• How does resolution function within harmonic progressions, and why is it important for creating musical tension?
  • Resolution plays a critical role in harmonic progressions by transforming dissonant harmonies into consonant ones, which builds and releases tension. For example, a dominant seventh chord typically resolves to the tonic chord, creating a satisfying conclusion. This movement from tension to relaxation is vital for maintaining listener engagement and emotional response throughout a piece.
• Discuss the differences between suspensions and anticipations in terms of their resolutions and functions in music composition.
  • Suspensions are dissonant notes that hold on from a previous chord before resolving downward, creating tension that needs resolution. In contrast, anticipations are notes that arrive early from the next chord and resolve upwards. Both create unique effects in music composition by manipulating tension and resolution; suspensions draw out emotional anticipation while anticipations provide a forward motion into the next harmony.
• Evaluate how understanding resolution enhances your ability to compose music that effectively balances tension and relaxation in a piece.
  • Understanding resolution allows composers to strategically build and release musical tension, essential for crafting engaging pieces. By effectively managing how dissonance resolves into consonance, composers can control the emotional flow of their music. This awareness helps in creating climactic moments followed by restful passages, making compositions more dynamic and emotionally resonant while adhering to established harmonic practices.

Related terms

Dissonance:

A combination of notes that create tension and instability, often requiring resolution to consonance.

Consonance:

A combination of notes that sound pleasant and stable, often serving as the goal for resolving dissonances.

Tension and Release: A musical concept where tension is built through dissonance and subsequently released through resolution, creating emotional movement within the music.