Musical Resolution
Musical Resolution names the domain read for RM resolution conditions — where harmonic strain is determined at the current scope. The resolution conditions of the first order (hold, yield, release, transfer, absorb, failure, shift) each appear in musical form as recognisable cadence types.
The Atlas read of musical resolution shows that cadence is not a stylistic convention. It is the point at which harmonic bearing is determined: the coupled strain of dissonance reaching a decision about what happens to it.
Places
Musical Resolution places the domain read for RM resolution conditions — where harmonic strain is determined at the current scope.
Holds
Musical Resolution is held by Resolution and Harmony. Harmonic strain must be present and coupled before it can be determined as resolved.
Pairs
Musical Resolution pairs with Harmonic Drift. Musical Resolution names the successful determination of harmonic coupling at scope; Harmonic Drift names its failure — where tonal retrace is lost while surface coherence persists.
Traces
Nests
Musical Resolution nests within the music domain as the terminal resolution read. It does not name a new condition; it names how the first-order resolution conditions become readable in the musical domain.
Reads
Musical Resolution becomes recognisable where harmonic tension reaches a point of determination. The cadence types map the resolution conditions:
The perfect authentic cadence (Transfer) moves dominant strain into tonic — strain passes from one bearing condition into another, fully determined.
The deceptive cadence (Yield) moves toward expected resolution but lands on an unexpected harmony — strain gives without full collapse, continuity remains.
The half cadence (Hold) stops on the dominant without resolving to tonic — strain remains supportable at the current scope, held without discharge.
The plagal cadence (Absorb) moves from subdominant to tonic — strain is taken in and dampened rather than discharged outward.
The interrupted or unresolved progression (Failure) loses bearing at scope — harmonic support collapses or strain is left without determination.
Recognising these as resolution conditions rather than mere conventions lets the listener ask not only what cadence this is but what is happening to harmonic bearing at this point.
Carries
Musical Resolution carries no further public branch at this scope. It holds the music-domain read of first-order resolution conditions.