Dissonantti

Dissonantti is a Finnish term that describes a specific type of unresolving musical dissonance. Unlike conventional dissonance that typically seeks resolution to a more consonant sound, dissonantti implies a harshness or tension that is deliberately maintained or intensified rather than resolved. This can manifest in various ways within a musical composition, contributing to a feeling of unease, chaos, or extreme emotional expression.

The concept of dissonantti is not strictly defined by specific intervals or chords, but rather by its perceived effect and function within a piece. It often involves a deliberate avoidance of traditional harmonic progressions and a preference for clashing pitches that create a sense of instability. Composers who utilize dissonantti may do so to evoke specific moods or to challenge the listener's expectations of musical order.

While the term is Finnish, the musical concept it describes can be found in various musical traditions and genres. It is particularly relevant in discussions of 20th and 21st-century classical music, avant-garde jazz, and certain forms of experimental or extreme metal music, where the exploration of sonic tension and unconventional harmony is a central element. The subjective nature of musical perception means that what one listener might identify as dissonantti, another might perceive differently.