Retardation

Definition

Retardation is a musical term referring to the delayed resolution of a dissonance, where a note or chord that creates tension is held over into the next harmonic context. This technique adds emotional depth and interest to the music by prolonging the listener's anticipation for the consonant resolution. It often acts as a complement to suspensions, creating a rich interplay between tension and resolution in tonal compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Retardation is typically notated as a suspended note that remains unaltered while the harmony changes around it.
2. Unlike suspensions, which resolve downward, retardations often resolve upward to create an interesting contrast in voice leading.
3. Retardations can be used effectively at various structural points in music, such as cadences or climactic moments, enhancing emotional impact.
4. In counterpoint, retardations can serve to connect different melodic lines, creating harmonic richness and complexity.
5. Retardations require careful voice leading to ensure smooth transitions and maintain clarity in the harmonic progression.

Review Questions

• How does retardation differ from suspension in its resolution approach?
  • Retardation and suspension both involve delayed resolutions, but they differ in how they resolve dissonance. While a suspension typically resolves downward to a consonant pitch, retardation usually resolves upward. This distinction creates different textures and emotional effects in music, as the upward resolution of retardation can enhance the feeling of lifting tension, whereas downward resolutions provide closure.
• Discuss the role of retardation in enhancing emotional expression in tonal music.
  • Retardation plays a crucial role in enhancing emotional expression by prolonging tension before resolution. This technique allows composers to manipulate listener expectations and create moments of heightened anticipation. By delaying the resolution of dissonance, composers can evoke feelings of suspense or yearning, making the eventual consonance more satisfying and impactful within the overall musical narrative.
• Evaluate the significance of integrating retardations within complex counterpoint and how it influences harmonic progression.
  • Integrating retardations within complex counterpoint significantly enriches harmonic progression by adding layers of tension and resolving interest between melodic lines. As different voices interact, retardations can connect melodies while maintaining harmonic coherence. This interplay not only enhances textural complexity but also challenges listeners' perceptions of forward motion in music, leading them through intricate emotional landscapes that highlight the beauty of dissonance and resolution.

Related terms

Suspension: A suspension is a specific type of dissonance that occurs when a note from a previous chord is sustained into a new chord, creating temporary tension that resolves when the note moves to a consonant pitch.

Dissonance: Dissonance refers to combinations of notes that clash, creating a sense of tension or instability that typically seeks resolution in consonance.

Resolution: Resolution is the process in music where dissonance is resolved into consonance, providing a sense of closure and satisfaction to the listener.