Suspensions

Definition

Suspensions are a type of non-chord tone that create tension by holding a note from a previous chord into a new chord, typically resolving down by step. This technique adds emotional depth and interest to music, as it creates a momentary dissonance before resolution. Suspensions serve to enrich harmonic progressions and are often used in counterpoint, helping to connect voices and create smoother transitions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suspensions are typically labeled with numbers to indicate the interval above the bass note (e.g., 9-8 suspension), which denotes the specific type of suspension being used.
2. Common types of suspensions include 4-3, 7-6, and 9-8, each identified by their intervals and commonly resolving downwards.
3. In harmonic contexts, suspensions usually occur on strong beats and resolve on weaker beats to maintain the flow of music.
4. They can be found in various musical styles and forms, from classical to contemporary music, highlighting their versatility.
5. Suspensions can also function as passing tones or neighbor tones when they move to another non-chord tone before resolving.

Review Questions

• How do suspensions function within harmonic progressions and what effect do they have on musical tension?
  • Suspensions create moments of tension within harmonic progressions by introducing dissonance when a note from the previous chord is held over into the new chord. This tension typically resolves down by step to a consonant note in the new chord, creating a satisfying release. The use of suspensions enhances emotional depth in music and helps maintain listener interest by adding complexity to harmonic movement.
• Compare and contrast different types of suspensions and their resolutions. How do these differences impact the overall feel of the music?
  • Different types of suspensions, such as 4-3 and 9-8, vary in their intervallic relationships and resolutions. For example, a 4-3 suspension involves holding the fourth above the bass note before resolving down to the third, while a 9-8 suspension holds the ninth before resolving down to the octave. These variations affect the music's overall feel; for instance, a 4-3 suspension might create a more pronounced sense of tension due to its placement on strong beats, whereas a 9-8 may feel softer and more flowing due to its smoother resolution.
• Evaluate how suspensions contribute to the development of musical ideas across different genres and historical periods.
  • Suspensions have played a crucial role in developing musical ideas throughout history, from Baroque counterpoint to modern compositions. In Baroque music, composers often used suspensions to enhance voice leading and create rich textures. In contemporary genres, suspensions can still serve as tools for emotional expression, allowing artists to manipulate tension and release in their works. By analyzing how suspensions have been utilized across various styles and eras, we can see their lasting impact on musical language and compositional techniques.

Related terms

Non-Chord Tone:

A note that is not part of the underlying chord, used to create tension or embellishment in a musical line.

Resolution:

The process of moving from a dissonant or unstable harmony to a consonant or stable harmony, often involving the downward movement of notes.

Dissonance:

A combination of tones that creates a sense of instability or tension, which typically seeks resolution to consonance.