Suspension figure

Definition

A suspension figure is a specific type of musical device used in tonal composition where a note from a previous chord is sustained into the next chord, creating a temporary dissonance before resolving. This technique enhances harmonic interest and creates tension, contributing to the overall emotional expression in music. Suspensions typically resolve down by step to a consonant interval, reinforcing the harmonic progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suspension figures can be classified into different types based on their resolution patterns, such as 4-3 suspensions or 7-6 suspensions.
2. They often appear on strong beats, emphasizing their impact and drawing attention to the resolution that follows.
3. Suspensions are commonly used in various musical styles, from classical to contemporary, making them versatile in composition.
4. The voice leading involved in suspensions requires careful attention to ensure smooth transitions between notes.
5. Suspension figures can create emotional depth by prolonging tension before resolving to consonance, enhancing the listener's experience.

Review Questions

• How do suspension figures function within a harmonic context, and what role do they play in creating musical tension?
  • Suspension figures function by holding over a note from a previous chord into the next one, causing dissonance that needs to be resolved. This creates tension that engages the listener and draws them into the harmonic progression. The way these figures are employed can highlight significant moments in music, emphasizing emotional highs and lows through effective use of tension and release.
• Discuss the different types of suspension figures and how their resolutions differ in terms of harmonic function.
  • Different types of suspension figures include the 4-3 suspension and 7-6 suspension, each with its unique resolution patterns. For example, a 4-3 suspension resolves from the fourth above the bass note down to the third, while a 7-6 suspension resolves from the seventh down to the sixth. Each type serves specific harmonic functions and contributes to the overall movement within a chord progression, enhancing the emotional impact and depth of the music.
• Evaluate how the use of suspension figures can influence the emotional narrative within a piece of music and provide an example.
  • The use of suspension figures can significantly shape the emotional narrative by extending moments of tension before resolving into consonance, which can evoke feelings of anticipation or longing. For instance, in Beethoven's works, suspension figures often create dramatic pauses that enhance the climactic moments of his symphonies. This strategic placement allows listeners to feel an emotional release when the dissonance resolves, making the journey through tension and resolution integral to experiencing the music's deeper meanings.

Related terms

dissonance: A combination of tones that creates tension or conflict in music, often requiring resolution.

resolution: The movement from dissonance to consonance, providing a sense of closure or stability in music.

chord progression:

A series of chords played in succession, forming the harmonic basis of a piece of music.