What does consonance refer to in music?

Consonance refers to a harmonious combination of tones that sounds pleasant and agreeable to the ear. In musical terms, consonant intervals, such as the perfect fifth or major third, create a sense of stability and resolution. These combinations are characterized by their ability to blend well and evoke a sense of peace within the music. This concept is foundational in tonal music, where consonance often serves as the counterpart to dissonance, which creates tension and demands resolution.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of consonance. A clash of dissonant sounds contradicts the notion of pleasant harmony that consonance embodies. A specific tempo indication relates to the speed of the music rather than the relationships between notes. Lastly, a style of modal music pertains to a particular musical system or genre, rather than the harmonic quality of the notes involved. Consonance is fundamentally concerned with the interplay of tonalities and their pleasing sound.