Dissonances

This is me some time ago interviewing a bot, whom I nicknamed Frank.

(Kursivo) In music, what is generally meant by dissonance? If in the same phrase with no apparent transition from one scale to another the chords or the notes don't fit in the same scale, is that phrase always classed as dissonant?

(Frank) In music, dissonance refers to a combination of notes or chords that creates a sense of tension, instability, or clash. This is often in contrast to consonance, which produces a more harmonious and stable sound. Dissonant intervals and chords are typically perceived as less pleasant or more jarring to the ear. If in a musical phrase the chords or notes do not fit within the same scale and create a sense of tension or unresolved quality, that can indeed be considered dissonance. The presence of notes that clash with the underlying harmony or scale creates a feeling of discord, which is a defining characteristic of dissonance. In many musical contexts, dissonance can add emotional depth and intensity, eventually resolving into consonance, which provides a satisfying conclusion.

(Kursivo) So from what you say I understand that you could have dissonances created both with notes and chords within the same scale or out of it, to create a more dramatic contrast. Correct? Ultimately, if in some tunes there is some instability, different listeners may perceive it differently and not be agreed whether it's dissonant or not. Correct?

(Frank) Yes, you are correct! Dissonance can be created with both individual notes and chords, whether they are within the same scale or outside of it. This use of dissonance can contribute to dramatic contrasts in music, adding emotional depth and tension. Additionally, perception of dissonance can vary among listeners. Musical preferences, cultural background, and individual ear training can all influence how someone perceives dissonance. What one listener may find jarring or dissonant, another might appreciate as interesting or expressive. As a result, there can be differing opinions on what constitutes dissonance in a particular musical context. Your understanding captures these nuances well!

(Kursivo) In almost all the jazz music I have listened to, I wouldn't say I ever heard what I could have definitely perceived as dissonances. However, In some modern classical music, I would certainly agree that what I had heard were dissonances. Could you confirm that dissonances are more frequent in modern classical music than in jazz music? Could you give me an example of a jazz tune with dissonances?

(Frank) Dissonance can be more prevalent in certain styles of modern classical music, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries, where composers often explore atonal or complex harmonic structures. However, dissonance is also an integral part of jazz, particularly in its more advanced forms, such as bebop, modal jazz, and free jazz. In jazz, dissonance can manifest through the use of extended chords (like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths), alterations, and tensions that create an unresolved or complex sound. While it may not always be as overt as in some modern classical pieces, it is indeed present. A classic example of a jazz tune with notable dissonance is "Giant Steps" by John Coltrane. The chord changes in the piece are quite complex, creating moments of tension and dissonance that challenge the musician's improvisational skills. Another example is "Moment's Notice," also by Coltrane, where the harmonic structure allows for dissonant improvisations over the changing chords. Many jazz musicians intentionally incorporate dissonance to create tension and expressiveness, leveraging it as a tool for emotional refinement in their music. "Dissonance" may be less explicitly labelled as "dissonance" by listeners accustomed to traditional harmonic jazz frameworks.

(Kursivo) Would you say that in "Round midnight" by Thelonious Monk there are dissonances?

(Frank) Yes, "Round Midnight" by Thelonious Monk contains instances of dissonance. Monk is known for his unique harmonic choices and approach to melody, which often incorporates dissonant intervals and unconventional chord voicings. In "Round Midnight," you can hear dissonance particularly in the way he uses altered chords and tensions against the melody. The distinctive piano voicings, which may include minor seconds, tritones, and other dissonant elements, create a rich and complex sound that contributes to the overall mood of the piece. These dissonances help convey the emotional depth and introspective quality characteristic of the tune, allowing for a sense of tension and release throughout the performance. Monk's style exemplifies how dissonance can be effectively employed in jazz to enhance expressiveness and create a unique sound.

(Kursivo) What is meant by voicing and tritone?

(Frank) Voicing refers to the way in which the notes of a chord are arranged or distributed across different instruments or within a single instrument. In jazz and other styles of music, voicing can involve playing the same chords in different ways, such as changing the order of the notes, adding or omitting certain notes, or using different octaves to create varied textures and colours. Voicing is crucial for achieving different harmonic effects and can greatly influence the overall sound of a piece. Tritone is an interval that spans three whole tones (or six half steps). It is often considered one of the most dissonant intervals in Western music. For example, if you take the note C, a tritone above it would be F♯ (or G♭). The tritone has a unique characteristic because it does not fit neatly into the traditional major or minor scales, making it sound tense or unstable. In many musical contexts—particularly in jazz, blues, and classical music—tritones are used to create tension, leading to resolutions in harmony that provide a sense of closure. In the context of chords, a tritone often appears in dominant seventh chords (like C7, which contains the tritone of E and B♭), contributing to their strong pull toward resolution.

(Kursivo) Wow!