dis-so-nance
[dis-uh-nuh ns]
noun
1. Inharmonious or harsh sound; discord; cacophony
2. Music
a. A simultaneous combination of tones conventionally accepted as being in a state of unrest and needing completion
b. An unresolved, discordant chord or interval.
Dissonance, in a a musical setting, is often regarded as ugly and nasty, only turning into something beautiful in the resolution. The sound comes from two notes, either a half-step or a whole-step away from each other, being played at the same time. The sound of dissonance sends chills up your spine, similar to the way nails on a chalkboard, or a squeaky chair would.
For many musicians, you do not want a lot of dissonance in a piece, especially if it means you're out of tune. But there is beauty in everything, and especially in dissonance. If done right, it can take a piece of music to the next level. The grating sound you get from the two notes battling and contrasting is not only beautiful, but a symbol of hard work, particularly for singers. Most experienced singers know how difficult it can be to find the right pitch, and how much more difficult it can be to find your pitch when it doesn't fit in a chord. But when you get it, it's beautiful. It's like when you order something with a side of tater-tors and you get a random chicken nugget in them. It's a small happy surprise for those singing and those listening.
The argument could be made that the beauty only comes in the resolution, but often times there is no resolution; dissonance and resolution don't always go hand in hand. Whatever happens, the beauty comes to the listener, who hears a gross sound, that can only be described as truly beautiful music.
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