durezze

Harsh dissonances — in Baroque keyboard practice, a compositional technique of deliberately introducing suspended dissonances that are held and resolved in unexpected, harsh ways. Frescobaldi's \"Capriccio di durezze\" (Capricci, 1624) and the famous \"Toccata cromatica per le levatione\" (Fiori musicali) explore this technique systematically: chains of dissonant intervals create an atmosphere of suspended tension and concentrated emotional intensity appropriate to the elevation of the Host during Mass. Durezze are a hallmark of the Italian stylus phantasticus and a precursor to the expressive chromaticism of later Baroque composers.

In a passage of durezze, do not resolve early or smooth over the dissonances — they are the point. Let each suspended dissonance ring fully before moving to the resolution; the slow decay of the organ (or harpsichord with careful pedalling) amplifies the effect. On the modern piano, use the sustain pedal thoughtfully, but avoid blurring inner voices. The affetto must feel tense and uncomfortable before releasing into resolution. This is deliberate and expressive ugliness in service of profound feeling.