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4.3.7The Meaning of Tension: Character Actions and Interval Actions
Just as a writer of a movie script or play manipulates tension through the actions of characters, a composer or songwriter manipulates tension through the actions of intervals. Some intervals deliver more tonal tension than others.
Normally, a composer or songwriter comes up with a tune without intellectualizing about it. The tune just comes out as an effusion. However, like any good writer, a skilled songwriter or composer will then go over the tune and recognize weak spots—places where the tune drags (not enough high-tension intervals), or becomes confusing (too much material for short-term memory to handle), as it moves from note to note.
A knowledge of interval dynamics becomes vital in revising the tune. Historically, great composers (e. g., Beethoven) and songwriters (e. g., Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon), have sweated over revisions until they sense the tune has its own identity and doesn’t get tired-sounding, even after repeated listenings.