Major-minor

Major

minor

dissonance vs. consonance

Combination of tones that sounds discordant and unstable, in need of resolution.

Concordant or harmonious combination of tones that provides a sense of relaxation and stability in music.

This majestic passage is harmonious, or consonant, providing a sense of stability in the music.

Example: Brahms, Symphony No. 1, fourth movement

harmony (Dominant/Tonic)

Basso continuo

figured bass