Weird, Dissonant Chords

In the church, that which is natural, simple and easily lends itself to the participation of the congregation should be what is done. The church isn't the place for artsy-fartsy-ness. You have homes and concert halls for that.

And yes, I know that I've eliminated Handel's Messiah from performance in church. Like I said, the church isn't the place for artsy-fartsy-ness, or performance for that matter.

 

I disagree with Aaron.. surprise, surprise,

Worship to God is giving God your best.. not just simple and plain, and if you have the talent to be Artsy... fartsy... LOL.. then give God the best.

 

I dislike the dissonance of some chords--modern or otherwise.

But I am an adult and can deal with it.

I have a grandchild, however, who we believe may have perfect pitch. Her response to dissonance is to go under the pew.

For that reason we left one church and found a wonderful one (yes, that is opinion) that doesn't do dissonance.

The pianist at the "new" church is quite gifted and classical music is her hobby. She is accompanist to the local college choir, and quite artsy.

Just doesn't hurt our ears.

 

The role of dissonence in music is to create hunger for it's resolution into harmony, or to express some type of distress.

 

That seems to be true to me also. Is this because more people have a dissonant view of life and the world?

 

Dissonance is one tool among many that composers use give emphasis to the text, evoke emotions, or provoke the response that they are seeking from their listeners. Like any one of these tools, it can be used to good effect, and it can be overused. There are also degrees of dissonance. Some of the lesser degrees are barely noticeable. Greater degrees can be like a slap in the face. J. D. and Paul3144 are correct that it is also about creating tension and resolving it. And I feel sorry for those who cannot or will not appreciate what a degree of dissonance adds to music, even church music.

Tim Reynolds

 

Chapter and verse, please?

(I could be wrong, but I don't recall "fartsy" in Scripture. But then, you may be referencing the Message... )

 

Not everyone who dislikes dissonance in music is unaware of why some composers use it.

Well done, yes, it can be a BRIEF bit of spice tossed in.

However, OVERDONE it becomes just another manipulative component. Thanks, but no thanks. Don't need the fight or flight trigger followed by soothing sounds in order to worship Jesus myself.

If you do, go for it, but please do not denigrate those that worship differently.

Please do not follow a current guru's advice that we need to leave or die.

 

Dissonance is a relative term. Ask an Asian. Since when did dissonance become a matter of in/appropriateness in worship?? Do you REALLY think God cares if dissonance is used in worship? I think he is probably more concerned with what is going on in the heart. (rhymes with art AND ...smart! )

 

That was amazingly well done Paul! There was a brief part that I sounded very wrong either at or directly after "and in his name all oppression shall cease." Thanks for sharing the link!

Too often nobody has the talent to do it in a way that doesn't make it sound like they're just messing up.

It's definitely an acquired taste to have it in the degree it's been around lately and it throws me to sing a song with the choir that I USED to know and then have to relearn. Thank goodness for watermelons. LOL