Episode # 29 shows the last two embellishing tones needed for the exam.
Episode #29 shows the last two embellishing tones needed for the exam. Suspension (1:05) and retardations (1:54) are closely related. Listen to examples of both and quiz your ear at the end (3:29).
Question of the day: What embellishing tone is approached by step and left by a leap? (4:35).
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Hi and welcome to the APsolute Recap: Music Theory Edition. Today’s episode will recap Suspensions and Retardations
Lets Zoom out:
We’re in Unit #6 - Harmony and Voice Leading III: Embellishments,Motives, and Melodic Devices
Topic 6.4
Our Big idea is pitch
For the AP exam, you will need to be able to notate and identify suspensions, but only to identify retardations. Our last two types of nonchord tones: Suspension and retardations. Consider these last two to be related, as the only difference between them is how they leave the nonchord tone towards resolution. Both non chord tones create tension, resolution, and likely occur on a strong beat.
Lets Zoom in:
Suspension
Suspensions occur when a pitch from a chord is carried over into the next chord, and then descends to a pitch in the new harmony. There may be a tie to create a suspension. There is preparation with the first chord, then tension with a nonchord tone, and finally resolution. How suspenseful!
There can be instances where there are multiple suspensions in a row. In roman numeral analysis, the arabic numeral can indicate a suspension, for example 9-8, 7-6, 4-3, 2-3, and 6-5.
Retardation
As I said earlier, these two types of nonchord tones are similarly related. Retardations occur when a pitch from a chord is carried over into the next chord, and then ascends to a pitch in the new harmony. (Retardation example). Since suspensions and retardations are so closely related, they can happen at the same time. (Sus and re t example)
Beware! This term can be confused with a ritardando, which is when the tempo is slowed down.
Quiz! Which are suspensions and which are retardations?
To recap……
Suspensions occur when a pitch from a chord is carried over into the next chord, and then descends to a pitch in the new harmony.
Retardations occur when a pitch from a chord is carried over into the next chord, and then ascends to a pitch in the new harmony.
Coming up next on the Apsolute RecAP Music Theory Edition: Embellishing Tones Dictation
Today’s Question of the day is about embellishing tones.
Question: What embellishing tone is approached by step and left by a leap?