What does the term 'Dissonance' refer to in music?

Dissonance in music refers to a tension-filled sound that occurs when notes are played together that do not harmonize in a conventional manner. This clash or instability creates a sense of unrest or need for resolution, often leading the listener to anticipate a move to consonance, which is more harmonically pleasing.

This concept is fundamental in music composition and performance, as dissonance can evoke emotional responses and heighten drama within a piece. Composers use dissonance strategically to enhance musical narratives. By contrast, a pleasing harmony represents consonance, which typically sounds stable and restful. Other choices like a quiet note or a rhythmic pattern do not capture the essence of dissonance, which is specifically about the interaction of pitches and the resultant musical tension.