TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > Music > Bach Chorale - Suspensions
Holding back a note in its movement from one chord to another, so it produces a momentary dissonance.
There are 3 stages:
- It is prepared - 1st chord - a concord.
- The suspended note is heard against the new chord - dissonance.
- 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.
