Emancipation of dissonance

Definition

The emancipation of dissonance refers to the liberation of dissonant sounds from their traditional role as a tension that must resolve to consonance in music. This concept allows dissonance to exist independently and be treated as an expressive and integral part of musical language, particularly in the context of modernist compositions. It signifies a major shift in how composers viewed harmony and tonality, embracing more complex textures and emotional depths.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Schoenberg's approach marked a significant departure from the conventions of Western music by allowing dissonance to function as a primary element rather than a secondary one.
2. The emancipation of dissonance is closely tied to the rise of atonality, where traditional harmonic structures were replaced with free chromaticism.
3. Composers of the Second Viennese School expanded on this idea, further integrating dissonance into their works, which created innovative and challenging music.
4. This concept encouraged other composers to experiment with new forms and textures, leading to diverse styles in 20th-century music.
5. By freeing dissonance from its need for resolution, composers could explore more emotional and abstract expressions in their music.

Review Questions

• How did the emancipation of dissonance change the perception of musical harmony?
  • The emancipation of dissonance shifted the perception of musical harmony by allowing dissonant sounds to be appreciated on their own terms rather than as mere tensions needing resolution. This change meant that composers could explore richer emotional landscapes without being constrained by traditional harmonic expectations. As a result, music became more expressive and complex, reflecting the nuances of modern life.
• In what ways did Schoenberg's techniques reflect the concept of the emancipation of dissonance in his compositions?
  • Schoenberg's techniques exemplified the emancipation of dissonance through his use of atonality and the 12-tone method, where all pitches are treated equally. His works often showcased dissonant intervals not just as moments of tension but as valid and integral parts of the musical fabric. This radical approach allowed him to break free from traditional resolutions, leading to innovative compositions that challenged listeners' expectations.
• Evaluate the impact of the emancipation of dissonance on subsequent musical movements and styles in the 20th century.
  • The emancipation of dissonance had a profound impact on 20th-century music, inspiring various movements such as minimalism, serialism, and avant-garde practices. By legitimizing dissonance as a fundamental aspect of musical expression, composers were emboldened to experiment with unconventional structures and soundscapes. This led to a richer diversity in music, paving the way for contemporary genres that embrace complexity and abstraction, which still influence today's artists.

Related terms

Dissonance: A combination of tones that produces instability or tension, often requiring resolution to consonant tones.

Atonality: A musical style that rejects the traditional tonal hierarchy, lacking a central key or tonal center.

12-tone technique: A method of composition developed by Arnold Schoenberg that uses all twelve pitches of the chromatic scale equally, avoiding traditional tonal structures.