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This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).

Dissonance

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Dissonance refers to combinations of sounds in music that do not harmonize and create a sense of tension or unease. It is contrasted with consonance, which denotes pleasant and stable combinations of sounds. Dissonance plays a crucial role in generating musical tension and resolution.

Types of Dissonance

Dissonance can be categorized into several types, mainly as follows:

1. Dissonance by Interval:

   • Major Second and Minor Second: For example, the intervals C-D and C-D♭.
   • Major Seventh and Minor Seventh: For example, the intervals C-B and C-B♭.
   • Augmented Fourth and Diminished Fifth: For example, the intervals C-F♯ and C-G♭, also known as the tritone.

2. Dissonance in Harmonic Context:

   • Dissonance used within harmonic progressions. For instance, a dominant seventh chord (V7) contains dissonance that resolves to the tonic (I), such as G7 → C.

Roles of Dissonance

Dissonance serves several important roles in music:

1. Tension and Resolution:

   • Dissonance generates tension that is resolved by consonance, bringing dynamism and expressiveness to music.
   • Example: The progression from a dominant seventh chord (G7) to the tonic (C) is a typical example of tension (G7) resolving into stability (C).

2. Emotional Expression:

   • Dissonance emphasizes emotions and dramatic effects, effectively conveying feelings like anxiety, tension, surprise, and sadness.
   • Example: Claudio Monteverdi’s "Seconda Prattica" freely used dissonance to enhance emotional expression.

3. Musical Contrast:

   • The contrast between dissonance and consonance enriches musical texture and structure, highlighting different sections or phrases within a piece.

Historical Development of Dissonance

The use and perception of dissonance have evolved throughout musical history:

1. Renaissance Period:

   • Dissonance was strictly regulated, primarily used with preparation and resolution according to counterpoint rules.

2. Baroque Period:

   • Dissonance became more prominent and played a key role in harmonic progression. Monteverdi and Bach effectively used dissonance for emotional and dramatic effects.

3. Classical and Romantic Periods:

   • Dissonance was used more freely to emphasize emotion and dynamism. Mozart and Beethoven skillfully employed dissonance to create tension and resolution.

4. Modern Music:

   • Dissonance became completely liberated and was sometimes treated equally with consonance. Composers in the 20th century explored dissonance as a new sonic possibility.

Summary

Dissonance is a vital element in music, enriching it with depth through tension and resolution, emotional expression, and musical contrast. Its use and perception have changed throughout history, but it has always played a key role in enhancing musical expressiveness.

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