In Western music theory and twentieth century composition, unresolved dissonance is a characteristic feature most strongly associated with which broad style of music?

Introduction / Context:
In music theory, consonance and dissonance describe how stable or tense combinations of notes sound to the ear. In much of traditional Western tonal music, dissonant chords or intervals usually resolve to consonant ones, creating a sense of tension followed by relaxation. However, many twentieth century and contemporary composers began to use unresolved dissonance as a deliberate stylistic choice. This question asks you to identify which broad style of music is most strongly associated with unresolved dissonance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Dissonance refers to combinations of tones that sound tense or unstable, while consonance feels more stable and restful.
• Classical and Baroque tonal music generally follows rules where dissonances resolve to consonances.
• Modern and contemporary Western music includes atonal, experimental and avant garde styles.
• Traditional Indian classical music uses different concepts such as raga and does not centre on Western consonance or dissonance rules.

Concept / Approach:
In tonal harmony of the Baroque, Classical and early Romantic periods, composers like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven used dissonances carefully. A dissonant chord or interval typically appears as a passing or accented tension that soon resolves to a consonant chord according to well defined harmonic rules. In contrast, many twentieth century composers, including those in atonal, expressionist, impressionist or minimalist traditions, deliberately kept dissonant sonorities without resolving them. This unresolved dissonance creates a feeling of ongoing tension, ambiguity or atmosphere rather than traditional resolution. Therefore, unresolved dissonance is a hallmark of modern and contemporary Western music rather than of earlier tonal periods.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in Baroque and Classical music, harmony is tonal, and dissonances are expected to resolve according to rules.Step 2: Recognise that music theory textbooks often describe the Classical period as emphasising balanced phrases and clear resolutions.Step 3: Identify that modern Western music, particularly in the twentieth century, experimented with atonality and new harmonic languages.Step 4: Understand that in these modern and contemporary styles, composers sometimes keep dissonant chords unresolved to create tension or a specific mood.Step 5: Notice that Baroque church music uses strict counterpoint and also generally resolves dissonance according to fixed rules.Step 6: Recognise that traditional Indian classical music is based on melodic and rhythmic frameworks rather than Western harmonies, so the term unresolved dissonance is not central to its description.Step 7: Conclude that modern and contemporary Western music is the style most associated with unresolved dissonance.

Verification / Alternative check:
Listening examples support this reasoning. In a Bach chorale or a Mozart symphony, dissonant notes often appear on weak beats or as suspensions that quickly resolve. By contrast, in atonal works by Schoenberg or expressionist pieces by Berg, dissonant harmonies can persist without traditional resolution. Impressionist music by Debussy and Ravel often features chords that do not resolve in the expected way, creating floating, unresolved sonorities. Many contemporary film scores and experimental works also use clusters and dissonant textures without immediate release, highlighting unresolved dissonance as a stylistic device.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Classical period music is based on functional tonality, where dissonances are resolved in a predictable way; unresolved dissonance is not a defining feature. Baroque church music relies on counterpoint and strict rules for resolving dissonances, making them carefully controlled rather than left unresolved. Traditional Indian classical music does not primarily use the Western consonance and dissonance framework, and the term unresolved dissonance is not its main characteristic. Only modern and contemporary Western music routinely uses unresolved dissonances as a deliberate stylistic element.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may assume that because all music can contain some moments of dissonance, unresolved dissonance must be common everywhere. Others may confuse Romantic emotional intensity with unresolved harmony, even though Romantic composers still mostly followed tonal resolution. To avoid these mistakes, focus on the overall harmonic language: earlier Western tonal periods emphasise resolution, while many twentieth century and contemporary styles embrace unresolved dissonance for expressive effect.

Final Answer:
Unresolved dissonance is most strongly a characteristic of modern and contemporary Western music.