Suspensions

Definition

Suspensions are non-chord tones that create a temporary dissonance by holding a note from a previous chord into a new chord, resolving downward by step to a consonant note. This technique adds emotional depth and tension in musical progressions and melodies, enhancing the overall harmonic and melodic landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suspensions are commonly categorized by their intervals: 4-3, 7-6, and 9-8 being the most prevalent types found in harmonic progressions.
2. In a suspension, the suspended note creates dissonance when it is held over into the new chord, leading to a sense of expectation for its resolution.
3. The resolution of a suspension typically involves moving the held note down by step to a consonant note within the new chord.
4. Suspensions can occur in any voice but are often found in the upper voices to enhance melodic interest and texture.
5. They play a significant role in both classical and contemporary music, allowing composers to add emotional nuance and enhance dynamic contrasts.

Review Questions

• How do suspensions function within harmonic progressions, and what role do they play in creating tension?
  • Suspensions function as non-chord tones that create temporary dissonance within harmonic progressions. By holding a note from the previous chord into the current one, they introduce tension that anticipates resolution. This tension encourages movement toward consonance as the suspended note resolves downward by step, enriching the harmonic texture and emotional impact of the music.
• Discuss how suspensions can be effectively incorporated into melodic harmonization to enhance musical expression.
  • Suspensions can be effectively incorporated into melodic harmonization by strategically placing them in phrases where emotional depth is desired. For instance, using a suspension in a climactic moment can amplify the listener's experience by creating anticipation before resolving. Additionally, they can be layered with other voices to create intricate textures, providing both harmonic interest and melodic complexity that keeps listeners engaged.
• Evaluate the impact of suspensions on musical form and structure, particularly in traditional versus contemporary compositions.
  • Suspensions have a profound impact on musical form and structure by bridging sections and providing dynamic contrast. In traditional compositions, they serve as pivotal moments that enhance cadential functions and thematic development. In contemporary music, suspensions may be used more freely for expressive purposes, often defying strict harmonic rules while still engaging listeners through tension and resolution. This evolution demonstrates how suspensions adapt across styles while maintaining their core function of enriching musical narratives.

Related terms

Dissonance:

A combination of notes that creates a sense of tension or instability, often needing resolution to a more stable consonance.

Resolution:

The process by which a dissonant interval or chord moves to a consonant state, typically by stepwise motion.

Non-Chord Tone: Any note that is not part of the chord being played, used to create tension and interest in harmony and melody.