A seventh suspension is a specific type of suspension that occurs when a note from the seventh degree of a scale is held over into the next chord, creating tension that seeks resolution. This technique often features the seventh note, typically a minor or major seventh, which clashes with the chord it is suspended over until it resolves, enhancing the harmonic progression. Understanding seventh suspensions is essential for grasping how they add emotional depth and complexity to musical compositions.
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Seventh suspensions typically involve the seventh degree being suspended against the root position of a chord, creating a distinctive sound.
The resolution of a seventh suspension often resolves downwards to the fifth or directly to the root of the chord following it.
This technique is commonly used in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and contemporary music, to enhance harmonic richness.
In terms of notation, seventh suspensions are indicated by showing the suspended note above the bass note or the chord it is held over.
Seventh suspensions can be classified as either syncopated or non-syncopated based on how they relate rhythmically to the underlying pulse of the music.
Review Questions
How does a seventh suspension function within a harmonic progression, and what role does it play in creating musical tension?
A seventh suspension functions by holding over a note from the seventh degree of a scale into a new chord, causing dissonance with the underlying harmony. This creates musical tension that enhances the emotional effect of the progression. The tension created by the seventh suspension seeks resolution, typically moving downwards to a consonant interval, which resolves the dissonance and provides a satisfying release.
Compare and contrast seventh suspensions with other types of suspensions. What makes them unique in their harmonic implications?
Seventh suspensions differ from other types of suspensions primarily in their specific use of the seventh degree, which introduces distinctive dissonance. Unlike simple fourth or second suspensions that resolve more predictably, seventh suspensions often lead to richer harmonic resolutions due to their inherent tension. This uniqueness allows composers to craft more complex emotional narratives within their works, utilizing the distinct quality of seventh suspensions in various contexts.
Evaluate the significance of incorporating seventh suspensions in modern music composition. How does this technique influence overall musical expression?
Incorporating seventh suspensions in modern music composition significantly enriches harmonic texture and emotional depth. By utilizing this technique, composers can create moments of heightened tension and anticipation that captivate listeners. As these suspensions resolve, they contribute to dynamic shifts in mood and intensity within pieces, demonstrating their vital role in conveying artistic expression and engaging audiences through effective use of dissonance and resolution.
A suspension is a musical device where a note is sustained from a previous chord into a new chord, creating dissonance that eventually resolves to consonance.