What effect does dissonance create in music?

Dissonance in music is characterized by a combination of tones that clash or do not sit well together. This clash creates a feeling of tension or disturbance, which is fundamental to the emotional expressiveness of music. Dissonance can evoke a sense of instability or unrest, which motivates the listener's anticipation for resolution, typically achieved through moving to consonance, where the notes play nicely together.

In the realm of music composition, dissonance is often used deliberately to add depth and complexity, driving the emotional narrative of a piece. It contrasts sharply with consonance, which provides a sense of comfort and closure. While dissonance is integral in creating drama and tension within a piece, it does not provide a sense of resolution or harmony, and it typically does not facilitate smooth transitions since its effect is to create unease.