PIANO SUSPENSION
A significant musical device, Suspension refers to a harmonic phenomenon where a dissonant note is held over (suspended) beyond the expected resolution point, creating tension and anticipation for the subsequent cadence or progression. The term can be traced back to the 16th century, originating from the Latin word "suspensio," meaning suspension.
Historical Context
During the Renaissance, the concept of Suspension was employed in polyphonic music to create intricate textures and add expressive depth. In the Baroque period, composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel exploited this device extensively in their keyboard works, such as fugues and preludes.
Piano Repertoire
One notable example of piano suspension can be found in Ludwig van Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," specifically in the first movement's second theme. Here, a G-sharp is held over while the bass line moves to F-major, creating a momentary tension that adds emotional weight to the melody.
Augmented Sixth Chord
Suspension is often associated with the augmented sixth chord, which consists of the root, major third, minor seventh, and raised sixth (ninth) degrees of the scale. When resolving from an augmented sixth chord to a dominant seventh chord, one note—either the third or the sixth—is held over, creating a momentary suspension.
Types of Suspensions
There are two primary types: perfect and imperfect suspensions. In a perfect suspension, the dissonant note is the third of the chord; in an imperfect suspension, it is the seventh. The difference between them lies in their resolutions, with perfect suspensions resolving downwards by a major second, while imperfect suspensions resolve upwards by a minor third.
Vertical Suspension
In addition to horizontal (melodic) suspensions, there are also vertical suspensions, which involve creating dissonance within a single chord rather than between successive chords. This is achieved by adding an extra note that clashes with the established harmony, creating tension before resolving.
Temporal Suspension
The term "temporal suspension" refers to the extension of a chord beyond its expected duration, similar to melodic suspensions but applied to entire harmonies. This technique can create a dramatic sense of anticipation and release.
Significance in Modulation
Suspension plays a crucial role in modulation, as it allows composers to establish new keys while maintaining a sense of continuity with the original key. By suspending a note and subsequently resolving it in a new key, the composer can create a smooth transition between tonalities without jarring dissonance.
Related: Augmented Sixth Chord, Modulation (music), Polyphony, Fugue, Prelude, Moonlight Sonata (Beethoven)