Dissonance & Resolution

Dissonance is the crunchy or tense sound in music that feels like it needs to move. Resolution is when that tension goes away and sounds rested. Think of it like holding your breath and then finally letting it out. Music needs both to be interesting! Life is the same way; we have hard times so that the good times feel even better. It is the pull and push of the universe.

We have hard times so that the good times feel even better. The tension is not the enemy. The tension is the story. Without dissonance, the resolution has no weight. Without the held breath, the exhale is just air. The struggle is the setup. The peace is the punchline.

Musical tension created through non-chord tones producing acoustic beats or roughness. Resolution occurs when tones move to stable harmonic positions within the key. A sonic representation of dialectics: thesis, contradictory antithesis, combined into coherent synthesis. Arriving at truth requires first passing through tension. The resolution was always there. It was waiting for the dissonance to make it meaningful.

SOUND: Pressing two piano keys right next to each other: tension you can hear.

SMELL: The harsh smell of vinegar followed by the soft smell of lavender: resolution.

TASTE: Very bitter dark chocolate followed by a sip of sweet milk: dissonance resolving.

TOUCH: Clenching your fist tight and then relaxing it completely: your hand playing a chord.

SIGHT: A storm cloud passing until the sun comes out: visual resolution.

BODY: Holding a heavy bag and then setting it down: your body resolving to rest.

Music: American Pie by Don McLean

Part of Music & Sound — ART — Education Revelation