4th Species Counterpoint
Suspension
A suspension is a note in the counterpoint that is carried over from the previous bar. This allows the composer or arranger to rhythmically displace the harmony or change where the accent falls. Since the harmony doesn’t resolve on the downbeat like it is expected to it adds contrast to the music – a feeling of hanging while you wait. It’s comparable to the feeling of holding your breath in anticipation of a needle. This technique is employed in writing for films as it adds suspense. The suspension is the most common type of rhythmic displacements. When performers encounter it they are encouraged to add a crescendo to the suspended note since there is no rhythmic accent.
Parts of a Suspension
The suspension consists of the preparation, the suspension, and the resolution.
In the preparation, note that is placed on the second half (beats 3 and 4) of the first of two adjacent bars. The relation between notes is consonant in the first bar and dissonant in the second bar where the suspension happens. The resolution occurs when the dissonant note moves down by a step and a consonant interval is formed.
The Suspension is described by the interval of the dissonance and consonance that happen in the 2nd bar.
This video by Dr. Jacob Grann gives the framework for 4th Species counterpoint.
5th Species Counterpoint
The 4th species counterpoint is all about suspensions while the 5th species is a combination of elements found in the 1st species counterpoint through the 4th species counterpoint.
If you guessed that the next video was produced by Dr. Jacob Grann, you were absolutely correct! He illustrates the rules and best practices for the 5th Species counterpoint very clearly and thoroughly.
The Evolution of Counterpoint – 4th and 5th Species
I continue last week’s work with a 4th species counterpoint and a 5th species counterpoint.
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