Definitions of tuning terms

© 1998 by Joseph L. Monzo

All definitions by Joe Monzo unless otherwise cited


consonance, consonant


    The blending or fusing of the two notes in an interval or the many notes in a chord into a sound that seems to be 'at rest'.

    It is one pole of the continuum of musical sonance, the other pole being that of dissonance.

    While the music of many different cultures exhibits consonace (to varying degrees) in its harmonies or melodies, the interplay between consonance and dissonance is consciously used as an important feature of European music and others derived from it. Dissonance seems to propel harmonic progressions on towards intervals or chords which are consonant.

    see also dissonance, sonance.


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