Resolve

In classical music, many gestures need to “resolve.” A dissonance, a departure from the harmonic (or melodic, or rhythmic) norm needs to be brought back to normality, disturbances need to be calmed — “action” needs resolution.

 
This dotting of the “i,” this attentive management of the small phraselet, is often subsumed in an attention to, or a desire for larger shapes. But music becomes generalized very easily. Large ideas have sub-organization. “Composing” is a process of making (and writing down) detailed exceptions. Performers take note.