Most of us like music. Many people go far beyond that. In my case, I loved it so much that I became a musician. I've been one now for over 45 years.
But I often question why I love music so much. I even ponder what it is about a music composition that connects with me. I've studied the inside workings of great music to try and identify just what it is about it that connects with not only myself but uncountable billions of other humans on the planet.
I have decided it is about Tension and Resolution
What the hell is he talking about you assert?
Well if you look closely at why a musical arrangement touches us it is down to the fact it's creating tension, and resolving that tension, repeatedly through the piece of music.
Take something similar to Beethoven's 5th symphony, or any great symphony for that matter. The good ones are full of drama and emotion.
There's loud passages and softer passages.
There's moments when just the flutes and woodwinds are playing some sweet melody.
In the subsequent section the horns and kettle drums come in and all heck breaks lose.
Doubtless one of the very best models of a musical piece that creates tension is Ravel's Bolero. Everyone knows the piece because it's so dramatic. If you have forgotten the piece, you might remember it from the bedroom scene in that great picture "10" with Dudley Moore and Bo Derek.
Now you remember.
Anyway this piece slowly builds tension by getting louder and louder as it repeats the basic tune continuously. By the end of the tune the volume and tension is so high we can't help but want it to stop... Well maybe not actually stop but at least change. And that is the genius of Ravel after all. We will not stop listening.
How Tension and Resolution Is Made
In music the musician has many techniques at his or her disposal to form this tension and resolution.
First there's the harmonic tendencies of the song.
If you know a little musical theory, you know that in any given key there are 8 notes... At least there are eight chromatic notes. These notes are mixed into what are called chords. So there are a likely eight chords that may be made in any particular key (basically there are many more but stay with me for a second).
Each of these chords "moves" us thru various levels of tension and resolution in a musical arrangement. With the chord built around the first note of the scale creating the resolution. It's called the tonic chord.
The chord built around the 5th note of the scale creates the most tension and practically begs to go back to the tonic chord to resolve the emotion.
The other chords all add to the various degrees of tension and resolution created by the arranger of the track.
Alternative Ways To Create Tension and Resolution
Besides harmonic techniques the volume, or loudness, of the assorted parts of a song can often be used to create tension and resolution. From the Bolero example above, you can see volume can have a strong dramatic and emotional effect on your reactions to the composition.
So a great writer or composer uses these and other musical strategies to move us. And, it's these dynamic emotions that we feel thanks to the tension and resolution created in the music that makes it pleasing to us.
OK now you know why you like music so much. Aren't you glad you asked?
But I often question why I love music so much. I even ponder what it is about a music composition that connects with me. I've studied the inside workings of great music to try and identify just what it is about it that connects with not only myself but uncountable billions of other humans on the planet.
I have decided it is about Tension and Resolution
What the hell is he talking about you assert?
Well if you look closely at why a musical arrangement touches us it is down to the fact it's creating tension, and resolving that tension, repeatedly through the piece of music.
Take something similar to Beethoven's 5th symphony, or any great symphony for that matter. The good ones are full of drama and emotion.
There's loud passages and softer passages.
There's moments when just the flutes and woodwinds are playing some sweet melody.
In the subsequent section the horns and kettle drums come in and all heck breaks lose.
Doubtless one of the very best models of a musical piece that creates tension is Ravel's Bolero. Everyone knows the piece because it's so dramatic. If you have forgotten the piece, you might remember it from the bedroom scene in that great picture "10" with Dudley Moore and Bo Derek.
Now you remember.
Anyway this piece slowly builds tension by getting louder and louder as it repeats the basic tune continuously. By the end of the tune the volume and tension is so high we can't help but want it to stop... Well maybe not actually stop but at least change. And that is the genius of Ravel after all. We will not stop listening.
How Tension and Resolution Is Made
In music the musician has many techniques at his or her disposal to form this tension and resolution.
First there's the harmonic tendencies of the song.
If you know a little musical theory, you know that in any given key there are 8 notes... At least there are eight chromatic notes. These notes are mixed into what are called chords. So there are a likely eight chords that may be made in any particular key (basically there are many more but stay with me for a second).
Each of these chords "moves" us thru various levels of tension and resolution in a musical arrangement. With the chord built around the first note of the scale creating the resolution. It's called the tonic chord.
The chord built around the 5th note of the scale creates the most tension and practically begs to go back to the tonic chord to resolve the emotion.
The other chords all add to the various degrees of tension and resolution created by the arranger of the track.
Alternative Ways To Create Tension and Resolution
Besides harmonic techniques the volume, or loudness, of the assorted parts of a song can often be used to create tension and resolution. From the Bolero example above, you can see volume can have a strong dramatic and emotional effect on your reactions to the composition.
So a great writer or composer uses these and other musical strategies to move us. And, it's these dynamic emotions that we feel thanks to the tension and resolution created in the music that makes it pleasing to us.
OK now you know why you like music so much. Aren't you glad you asked?
About the Author:
Rick Honeyboy Hart is a professional blues guitarist. He's played in numerous bands over time and now helps other guitar players learn about tension and resolution on his web site www.BluesGuitarInsider.com
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