Can a suspension resolve by leap downwards?

Introduction

Suspensions are an essential component of music composition, adding tension and release to harmonic progressions. They occur when a dissonant note from the previous chord is sustained into the next chord, creating a temporary clash. The resolution of a suspension is a crucial moment where the dissonant note resolves harmonically. In this article, we will explore the concept of suspensions and investigate whether a suspension can resolve by a leap downwards.

The Nature of Suspensions

Suspensions are characterized by their resolution downwards by step. This means that the dissonant note, known as the suspension, is expected to move down by a step to a consonant note. This downward resolution creates a sense of resolution and closure in the musical phrase.

Leaping in Suspensions

While suspensions generally resolve by step, there are instances where the suspended voice may initially leap to another chord tone before moving to the expected pitch of resolution. This leap note, however, is considered decorative and not the actual resolution of the suspension. It serves as a passing tone or an embellishment before reaching the final resolution.

Typical Resolution of Suspensions

The resolution of a suspension typically involves a stepwise descent to the expected pitch of resolution. After the initial leap, the suspended note proceeds by step in the opposite direction of the leap, ultimately reaching the consonant note. This stepwise descent provides a smooth and satisfying resolution to the dissonance introduced by the suspension.

Conclusion

In conclusion, suspensions in music always resolve downwards by step. While there may be leaping involved in the process, the leap note serves as a passing tone or an embellishment and is not the actual resolution of the suspension. The resolution of a suspension involves a stepwise descent to the expected pitch of resolution, creating a sense of resolution and harmonic closure. Understanding the nature and resolution of suspensions enhances our appreciation of the tension and release dynamics within musical compositions.

Sources

1. Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange. “Can a suspension resolve by leap downwards?” Available at: https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/115574/can-a-suspension-resolve-by-leap-downwards.
2. Milne Publishing, Geneseo. “Nonharmonic Tones – Fundamentals, Function, and Form.” Available at: https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/fundamentals-function-form/chapter/15-nonharmonic-tones/.
3. Hauser, Elliot. “Embellishing Tones – Open Music Theory.” Available at: http://elliotthauser.com/openmusictheory/embellishingTones.html.

FAQs

What is a suspension in music?

A suspension in music refers to a dissonant note that is sustained from the previous chord into the next chord, creating a temporary clash.

How do suspensions typically resolve?

Suspensions in music typically resolve downwards by step. This means that the dissonant note, known as the suspension, is expected to move down by a step to a consonant note.

Can a suspension resolve by leaping downwards?

While suspensions generally resolve by step, there are instances where the suspended voice may initially leap to another chord tone before moving to the expected pitch of resolution. However, this leap note is considered decorative and not the actual resolution of the suspension.

What purpose does the leap note serve in suspensions?

The leap note in suspensions serves as a passing tone or an embellishment before reaching the final resolution. It adds ornamentation and interest to the musical phrase.

How does the resolution of a suspension typically occur?

After the initial leap, the suspended note proceeds by step in the opposite direction of the leap, ultimately reaching the consonant note. This stepwise descent provides a smooth and satisfying resolution to the dissonance introduced by the suspension.

What is the significance of the resolution in suspensions?

The resolution of a suspension is a crucial moment in music where the dissonant note resolves harmonically, creating a sense of resolution and closure in the musical phrase.

Are there any exceptions to the downward resolution of suspensions?

While downward resolution is the most common and expected form of resolution for suspensions, there can be variations and exceptions in specific musical contexts or styles. These variations should be analyzed within the specific harmonic and melodic framework they occur in.

How does understanding suspensions enhance our appreciation of music?

Understanding suspensions and their resolution enhances our appreciation of the tension and release dynamics within musical compositions. It allows us to recognize and interpret the deliberate use of dissonance and its subsequent resolution, adding depth and emotional impact to the music.