consonancedissonance

Consonance and dissonance are fundamental concepts in music theory describing the relative stability or instability of a chord or interval. Consonance refers to combinations of sounds that are perceived as pleasing, stable, and resolved. These typically include intervals such as the unison, octave, perfect fifth, and perfect fourth, as well as certain triads like the major and minor triads. When a consonant sound is heard, there is a sense of rest or completion.

Dissonance, conversely, refers to combinations of sounds that are perceived as clashing, unstable, and requiring resolution. Dissonant intervals often include the minor second, major seventh, augmented fourth, and diminished fifth. These intervals create a sense of tension and movement, leading the listener to expect a subsequent consonant sound. The perception of consonance and dissonance can be influenced by cultural context, historical period, and individual listener preference, but generally, there is a broad consensus on which intervals and chords fall into each category. The interplay between consonance and dissonance is a primary engine of musical progression and emotional expression.