![]() Have a look/listen to this example piece I have written that uses this technique: One good technique to try is to use a series of suspensions to create harmonic tension and rhythmic delay throughout a musical phrase. the resolution is always on a weaker beatĪs music has developed through time, composers have “broken” all of these rules repeatedly and I would strongly encourage you to do the same!!.the resolution is always reached by the note moving downward.the suspended note must be tied to the preparation.the preparation note should be at least as long as the suspended noted.If you are wanting to work on composing using traditional techniques or constructing suspensions for a theory examination then you need to be aware of the following traditional rules of suspensions: Suspensions have been used in music since approximately 1400 and the “rules” for use have changed and developed. You will even come across triple suspensions where 3 notes from a chord are held, but these are quite rare! Composing Using Suspensions However, interpretations of the definition of suspensions have changed through time (see below). Note: it is possible to describe the above double suspensions as appoggiaturas because the preparation notes are not held, but are repeated. Here is an example of double suspensions: Suspensions in the bassline are described by the interval formed with the next part above them (this would be the tenor line in 4 part harmony).īass Suspensions Examples Double SuspensionsĪ double suspension is where 2 notes are held whilst the other notes move to a new chord. They are harder to identify when they occur in the middle of a bar as they may not have a tied note. It is worth noting that suspensions are easier to spot where they straddle a barline because there is a tied note. This is very much worth considering when composing using suspensions. In contrast, the 7-6 and 9-8 suspensions can be quite “harsh” sounding. The 4-3 and 6-5 suspensions tend to be quite “gentle” in their dissonance. You can hear clearly that some suspensions are more dissonant (clashing) than others. In a 9-8 suspension the interval between the suspended note and the bass note is a 9th (or compound 9th): In a 7-6 suspension the interval between the suspended note and the bass note is a 7th (or compound 7th): In a 6-5 suspension the interval between the suspended note and the bass note is a 6th (or compound 6th): In a 4-3 suspension the interval between the suspended note and the bass note is a 4th (or compound 4th): They are named after the interval between the suspended note and the bass note: 4-3 Suspension There are 4 main types of suspension for non-bassline notes. However, you will find that some suspensions resolve upwards – this is called a “retardation”. Note: the resolution most commonly involves the suspended note moving down a degree. ![]() In traditional harmony, the resolution always occurs on a weaker beat than the suspension.įor example, in 4/4 time the suspension would typically occur on the 1st beat of the bar with the resolution on beat 2. The resolution is the point at which the suspended note falls by a degree to a harmony note in the new chord. This creates a dissonance between the held note and the new chord. In the suspension, the prepared note is held as the other parts change chord. In our example above, the F in the soprano part is the note selected. In the preparation, the note played is a harmony note and can be found in any part. Let’s have a look at these stages in our worked example: There are 3 stages involved in a musical suspension: You can also hear how the suspension causes a characteristic delay in the rhythm. You can hear clearly how the F “wants” to fall to the E to resolve the dissonance: The point at which the F is held in dissonance over the new chord is called the suspension. However, in the 2nd extract the F is held and does not move down a degree to the E until the 2nd beat of the bar. ![]() The chord changes are the same in both examples. Have a look at these 2 examples of a chord progression: Creating A Music SuspensionĪ suspension can be created when changing chords. ![]() It is a wonderful musical effect that has been used for centuries and remains a key component of many contemporary pieces and songs. The held note is discordant and clashes with the new chord and this tension is only resolved when the note moves down a degree to a note belonging to the new chord. A suspension in music is where a note from a chord is held whilst the other notes of the chord change to a new harmony.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |