Suspension: A musical technique where a note is sustained from one chord into the following chord, creating a temporary dissonance that resolves into a consonance.
Context and Significance
Suspension is a crucial element in harmony that adds tension and anticipation in music. It’s commonly used in classical compositions to enrich the harmonic texture and is prevalent in chorales and orchestral works. Composers employ suspension to guide listeners through a journey of conflict and resolution, enhancing emotional expression. In jazz and contemporary music, suspension creates a smooth and connected sound between chords, often featured in piano and string arrangements.
Historical Background
The use of suspension dates back to the Renaissance when composers sought to enrich the polyphonic texture of their music. It gained prominence during the Baroque period, with composers like Johann Sebastian Bach frequently employing it to create intricate harmonic progressions. Over time, suspension became a staple in Western music, contributing to the evolution of harmonic practices in subsequent musical eras.
Examples
Suspension is masterfully applied in Pachelbel’s Canon in D, where it creates a sense of forward momentum and tension. Bach’s chorale harmonizations often feature suspensions, providing depth and emotional intensity. In modern music, artists like The Beatles have used suspension to add complexity and richness to their harmonic structures, evident in songs such as “Eleanor Rigby.”
Related Terms
Appoggiatura: A grace note that adds tension and resolves to a main note.
Passing Tone: A non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step.
Neighbor Tone: A non-chord tone that embellishes a chord tone by moving a step away and returning.
Retardation: Similar to suspension, but resolves upward instead of downward.