Music theory

Music theory is a field of study that describes the elements of music and includes the development and application of methods for analyzing and composing music, and the interrelationship between the notation of music and performance practice. Broadly, theory may include any statement, belief, or conception of music (Boretz, 1995).

Harmony, consonance, & dissonance

Harmony can generally be thought of as occurring when two or more pitches are sounded simultaneously, although harmony can be implied when pitches are sounded successively rather than simultaneously (as in arpeggiation). Harmonies involving three or more pitches sounded simultaneously are referred to as chords, though the term is generally used to indicate an organized selection of pitches rather than just any three or more pitches.

Related Topics:
Harmony - Chords

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Consonance can be roughly defined as those harmonies that sound pleasing to the ear and dissonance as those which are not pleasing to the ear. Another manner of thinking about the relationship regards stability; dissonant harmonies are sometimes considered to be unstable and to "want to move" or "resolve" toward consonance. However, this is not to say that dissonance is undesirable. A composition made entirely of consonant harmonies may be pleasing to the ear and yet boring because there are no instabilities to be resolved.

Related Topics:
Consonance

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Melody is often organized so as to interact with changing harmonies (sometimes called a chord progression) that accompany it, setting up consonance and dissonance.

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