Meaning of Preparation in Music
In the context of music, **preparation** refers to a technique used to soften the impact of a dissonant note by introducing a consonant note or chord before it. This technique is commonly used in classical harmony to create a smoother and more pleasing transition between chords. By preparing the dissonant note, it becomes more harmonically acceptable and resolves more naturally to the following chord. The use of preparation helps to create tension and release, adding depth and emotional impact to the music.
For example, in a dominant seventh chord, the dissonant seventh note can be prepared by introducing a consonant note from the following chord. This preparation allows the dissonance to resolve smoothly and enhances the overall harmonic progression.
It's important to note that preparation is just one of many techniques used in music composition and performance. It contributes to the overall structure and emotional impact of a piece, allowing for a more satisfying musical experience.
In part writing, the positioning of the notes in a chord so that one of them, sounding as a consonant note within the first chord, sounds as a dissonant note in the next chord. This note is then resolved in the following chord.
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