Suspensions

Definition

Suspensions are musical elements that create tension by holding a note from one chord into the next, which ultimately resolves into a more stable harmony. They occur when a note from the previous chord is sustained while the harmony changes underneath it, resulting in a temporary dissonance that adds emotional depth and interest to the music. The resolution of the suspension is crucial, as it provides a satisfying release of tension.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suspensions can be classified into different types, including 4-3 suspensions, 9-8 suspensions, and 7-6 suspensions, depending on the intervals involved.
2. The use of suspensions is common in various musical styles, including classical, jazz, and popular music, showcasing their versatility.
3. Suspensions are typically resolved down by step to a consonant interval, providing a sense of closure and completion to the musical phrase.
4. In rhythmic improvisation, incorporating suspensions can enhance expressiveness and add complexity to the overall musical dialogue.
5. The placement of suspensions within a rhythmic context can significantly affect the phrasing and emotional impact of a piece.

Review Questions

• How do suspensions contribute to the overall emotional expression in music?
  • Suspensions create tension through dissonance when a note is held over from one chord into another, making the listener anticipate its resolution. This buildup of tension adds emotional depth to the music, enhancing its expressiveness. The subsequent resolution of the suspension releases this tension, providing satisfaction and closure to the musical phrase, thus deepening the listener's engagement with the piece.
• Discuss how suspensions can be effectively used in rhythmic improvisation to enhance musical communication.
  • In rhythmic improvisation, suspensions can serve as tools for building tension and creating moments of interest within a performance. By strategically incorporating suspensions into their improvisations, musicians can add layers of complexity and emotion. This technique allows performers to communicate with one another dynamically, as they respond to the tension created by suspensions and work together to resolve it in a musically satisfying way.
• Evaluate the role of different types of suspensions in various musical genres and their impact on compositional techniques.
  • Different types of suspensions play varied roles across musical genres, impacting how composers approach harmony and rhythm. For instance, classical composers often utilize 4-3 and 9-8 suspensions to create rich harmonic textures and heightened emotional moments. In jazz, musicians might employ more complex suspensions within improvisation to challenge traditional harmonies. By evaluating these techniques across genres, one can see how suspensions not only add depth but also influence stylistic choices in composition and performance.

Related terms

Dissonance:

Dissonance refers to the combination of notes that sound unstable or tense, often requiring resolution to consonance.

Consonance:

Consonance is the combination of notes that sound harmonious and stable, creating a sense of resolution in music.

Chord Progression:

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in succession, forming the harmonic backbone of a piece of music.