Retardation

Definition

Retardation is a type of non-chord tone that occurs when a note from a previous harmony is sustained into a new chord, creating a momentary dissonance before resolving to a consonant note. This technique adds expressive tension and can enhance musical phrasing by delaying resolution. Retardation often serves to heighten emotional impact, drawing attention to the harmonic progression as the dissonant note resolves into the new harmony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Retardation typically involves a held note from the previous chord that creates tension until it resolves, usually upward to a chord tone in the new harmony.
2. In music notation, retardation can be indicated with a tie, showing that the note is sustained across the change in harmony.
3. It often appears in various musical genres, enhancing expressive qualities and adding interest to harmonic progressions.
4. The resolution of retardation is essential for achieving consonance, making it crucial for effective voice leading.
5. Retardation can be used strategically in different sections of music, particularly in cadences and climactic moments.

Review Questions

• How does retardation function within the context of harmonic progression?
  • Retardation functions as a way to create tension within harmonic progressions by sustaining a note from the previous harmony into the next chord. This momentary dissonance builds anticipation and emotional weight as it delays resolution. Once the sustained note resolves upward into a consonant note of the new harmony, it contributes to a satisfying musical release that enhances the overall phrasing.
• Compare and contrast retardation with suspension in terms of their resolutions and uses in music.
  • While both retardation and suspension involve sustained notes creating dissonance, they differ in their resolutions. Retardation typically resolves upward to a chord tone after being held from the previous chord. In contrast, suspension resolves downward. Both techniques serve similar expressive purposes but can be used differently within musical phrases to create varied emotional impacts and harmonic effects.
• Evaluate the role of retardation in enhancing musical expression and how it affects listener perception.
  • Retardation plays a significant role in enhancing musical expression by creating moments of tension that engage listeners emotionally. This technique draws attention to specific moments in the music, allowing composers to manipulate timing and resolution for dramatic effect. By delaying resolution, it heightens listener anticipation and can evoke feelings of longing or suspense, making it an essential tool for composers aiming to deepen emotional engagement with their audience.

Related terms

Non-Chord Tone: A note that does not belong to the underlying chord, creating dissonance before resolving to a note that is part of the chord.

Suspension: A non-chord tone created by holding over a note from a previous chord into the next chord, which then resolves downwards.

Appoggiatura: A type of non-chord tone that is approached by leap and resolved by step to a chord tone, often used for expressive effect.