Dissonance

Definition

Dissonance refers to a combination of tones that creates a sense of tension or instability, often leading the listener to expect resolution. It contrasts with consonance, where combinations of notes sound harmonious and pleasant. Dissonance plays a crucial role in music by adding emotional depth, drama, and complexity, often influencing how melody, harmony, and even rhythm are perceived within a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dissonance is often used intentionally by composers to evoke specific emotions or create tension within a musical piece.
2. Different musical styles and genres utilize dissonance in varying degrees; for instance, modern classical music may embrace it more than traditional folk music.
3. The perception of dissonance can be subjective, as cultural background and musical training influence how individuals interpret certain sounds.
4. In Western music theory, dissonant intervals include seconds, sevenths, and tritones, which are typically resolved to consonant intervals.
5. Dissonance contributes to the overall dynamics of a musical composition by adding contrast, encouraging emotional engagement from the listener.

Review Questions

• How does dissonance contribute to the emotional impact of a musical piece?
  • Dissonance enhances the emotional impact of music by creating tension that engages listeners on a deeper level. This tension can provoke feelings such as anxiety, suspense, or excitement, which draws listeners into the experience. Composers often use dissonance strategically to lead the audience through an emotional journey, ultimately resolving it with consonance for a satisfying conclusion.
• In what ways does the use of dissonance differ across various musical genres?
  • Different musical genres utilize dissonance in distinct ways based on their stylistic conventions. For example, jazz often employs dissonant chords to create complexity and improvisation, while classical music might use it more traditionally for tension before resolution. In contrast, pop music tends to favor consonant harmonies for broader appeal but can still incorporate dissonance for dramatic effect in specific sections.
• Evaluate the role of dissonance in the development of Western music from its early forms to contemporary styles.
  • Dissonance has played a significant role in shaping Western music from its early forms through contemporary styles. In early music, dissonance was typically resolved quickly to maintain harmonic stability. As music evolved into the Romantic era and beyond, composers began to experiment with dissonance as a primary tool for expression, using it to create emotional depth and complexity. Today, contemporary styles often embrace dissonance not only as a means of tension but also as an artistic statement, allowing for greater freedom in musical expression and innovation.

Related terms

consonance: Consonance is the harmonious combination of tones that creates a sense of stability and resolution in music.

resolution: Resolution is the process in which dissonant chords move to consonant chords, providing a sense of closure and satisfaction in music.

harmony: Harmony involves the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously, which can create consonant or dissonant sounds.