Suspensions
Definition
Suspensions occur when an expected consonant harmony becomes dissonant by temporarily holding onto or suspending a pitch from the previous harmony before resolving it down by step to its consonant counterpart.
Analogy
Picture yourself on an elevator going up smoothly until it suddenly stops for just a moment before continuing its ascent. The suspension is like that brief pause, creating tension before reaching the desired floor.
Related terms
Dissonance: Dissonance refers to a combination of notes that sounds unstable or tense and requires resolution.
Resolution: Resolution is the process of moving from a dissonant or unstable sound to a consonant or stable sound.
Consonant Harmony: Consonant harmony refers to a combination of notes that sounds stable and pleasant.
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