Harmonics in composition?

Question

As a composer, I never took under consideration the harmonics and natural overtones of note frequencies and never had trouble, as long as it all sounded well and was not very dissonant (unless I intended it to be). However, I read that composers and orchestrators can notate in a way that intends for harmonics to be heard. **My question is:** 1. Does one learn all notes and what harmonics they produce so that their overtones will not collide and sound dissonant in a composition? 2. Does one consider overtones in a score when composing, and if so, how or where can one learn this? Thanks!

Answer 1

For your first question. You learn about harmonics and what notes rub the wrong/right way when you learn music theory.

To answer your second question. I would say that most composers generally know the harmonics of what they are creating and use dissonance or exclude it purposely. They definitely are considering overtones in a score but that is mostly based off of feeling. You learn the technical aspects of why this note and that note make this sound. Now it is up to you and your expression to place that moment right where you intend it to be. Dissonance is very expressive and can be used very cleverly in compositions to achieve the intended feeling.