Revision:Bach Chorale - Suspensions

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Holding back a note in its movement from one chord to another, so it produces a momentary dissonance.

There are 3 stages:

1. It is prepared - 1st chord - a concord.
2. The suspended note is heard against the new chord - dissonance.
3. Resolution - The suspended note moves by step to the new note.

[NB: Ornamental Resolutions involve adding extra notes]

A suspension will nearly always fall to its resolution. The only exception is the LN -> Tonic, where it resolves upwards. This called a retardation.

The suspension is on a strong beat, and the resolution has to be on a weak beat.

The most common suspension is a 4-3 (ie. a 4th above the bass -> 3rd above the root of the chord).

The note of the resolution must not sound in the chord under the suspended note except in the bass (9-8).

You can have double suspensions - usually in 3rds or 6ths.

The note does NOT need to be tied.

Suspensions can occur when there is a dotted rhythm.

Help with Bach chorale writing at ChoraleGUIDE

Comments

These notes were created by Staveo on TSR Forums specifically for Edexcel Music A Level unit 5, but will be suitable for other exam boards and other specifications too.