Tension

Definition

Tension in music refers to the feeling of unrest or anticipation that arises from dissonance, harmonic movement, or rhythmic complexity. It creates a sense of drive that propels the music forward, often resolved by consonance or stability, which brings a feeling of relief. Understanding how tension functions is crucial in establishing emotional depth and dynamic structure within compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tension is often created through the use of dissonant chords or non-chord tones that demand resolution.
2. In harmonic progressions, tension can build over time, especially leading up to a cadence where it resolves.
3. Tension is not only harmonic but also rhythmic; syncopation and unexpected accents can create a feeling of unease.
4. Composers use techniques like suspensions and retardations to manipulate tension, delaying resolution for dramatic effect.
5. The balance between tension and release is essential in creating engaging musical phrases and overall structure.

Review Questions

• How does tension contribute to the emotional impact of a musical composition?
  • Tension enhances the emotional impact by creating a sense of urgency and anticipation within the music. It can evoke feelings such as excitement, unease, or drama, drawing listeners into the narrative of the piece. When combined with moments of release, tension helps to shape the overall experience, making it more dynamic and engaging.
• Discuss the role of harmonic progression in building tension and how it affects listener expectations.
  • Harmonic progression is essential for building tension as it guides the listener's expectations. Dissonant chords introduce instability, creating a feeling of tension that compels the listener to seek resolution. When composers carefully craft these progressions, they manipulate how and when the resolution occurs, enhancing the emotional journey through peaks and valleys of tension.
• Evaluate how composers utilize suspensions and retardations to enhance tension within their works.
  • Composers utilize suspensions and retardations as effective tools to enhance tension by delaying resolution. Suspensions create an expectation by holding onto a note while the harmony changes beneath it, leading to an eventual resolution that feels satisfying. Retardations serve a similar purpose but involve notes that resolve at a delayed moment. Together, these techniques enrich the emotional narrative by building suspense before providing relief.

Related terms

Dissonance:

A combination of notes that creates a sense of instability or conflict, often leading to tension in a musical context.

Resolution:

The process by which tension is released, typically through a move from dissonance to consonance, creating a sense of closure.

Cadence:

A musical phrase that signifies the end of a section or piece, often characterized by a resolution of tension and a feeling of completeness.