Suspension

Definition

A suspension is a type of non-chord tone that occurs when a note from a previous chord is held over into the next chord, creating a momentary dissonance until it resolves down by step to a consonant tone. This technique adds tension and color to music, often enriching harmonic progressions and providing emotional depth. In four-part writing, managing suspensions effectively involves ensuring proper voice leading and resolving them correctly within the context of the surrounding harmony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suspensions can be categorized into different types, such as 4-3, 7-6, and 9-8, based on their intervallic relationships and resolutions.
2. To create a suspension, the note that is held over must be tied to the previous chord while the new chord is played beneath it, leading to dissonance until resolved.
3. Suspensions are typically resolved down by step to a consonant tone within the new chord, reinforcing the harmonic flow.
4. Proper voice leading is essential when incorporating suspensions in four-part writing to avoid awkward intervals or parallel motion.
5. Suspensions can also add expressive qualities to music, enhancing emotional impact by delaying resolution and creating anticipation.

Review Questions

• How does a suspension function within a harmonic context, and what role does it play in creating tension in music?
  • A suspension functions by prolonging a note from a previous chord into the new chord, resulting in dissonance that creates tension. This momentary clash between the held note and the new harmonic structure engages the listener’s attention. The resolution of the suspension down by step to a consonant note ultimately restores harmonic stability and enhances the emotional journey of the piece.
• What are some common types of suspensions used in four-part writing, and how do they differ in their intervallic relationships?
  • Common types of suspensions used in four-part writing include the 4-3 suspension, where the fourth above the bass resolves down to the third, and the 7-6 suspension, where the seventh resolves down to the sixth. Each type creates different kinds of tension and resolution points, affecting the overall harmonic texture. These variations allow composers to explore different emotional impacts while adhering to established voice-leading principles.
• Evaluate how suspensions contribute to voice leading and overall musical expression in composition.
  • Suspensions are critical for effective voice leading because they require careful management of dissonance and resolution across all voices. When applied skillfully, they enhance musical expression by delaying gratification through tension building. This creates moments of anticipation that can evoke strong emotional responses from listeners. By manipulating suspensions within compositional structures, composers can craft intricate dialogues among voices that enrich their overall musical narrative.

Related terms

Non-Chord Tone: A note that is not part of the underlying chord but is used to create tension or embellishment in a musical line.

Dissonance:

A combination of notes that creates a sense of tension or instability, typically resolved by moving to consonance.

Resolution:

The process of moving from a dissonant note or harmony to a consonant one, providing a sense of release in the music.