Which harmonic device involves a note held from the previous chord into the next, creating a temporary dissonance?

Which harmonic device involves a note held from the previous chord into the next, creating a temporary dissonance?

• A. Suspension
• B. Appoggiatura
• C. Mazurka
• D. Contrary motion

Answer: (A)

Suspension is the device at work when a note from the previous chord is carried into the next, creating a temporary clash with the new harmony. The held note belongs to the old chord, so in the new chord it forms a dissonance against the harmony that has changed. It then resolves by step to a chord tone in the new harmony, giving smooth voice-leading and a sense of tension followed by release. This distinguishes it from other ideas: an appoggiatura is a non-chord tone approached by leap and resolved by step, not inherited from the prior harmony; a Mazurka is a dance form, not a harmonic device; and contrary motion concerns opposite directions of voice movement rather than a note held over to create dissonance.

Suspension is the device at work when a note from the previous chord is carried into the next, creating a temporary clash with the new harmony. The held note belongs to the old chord, so in the new chord it forms a dissonance against the harmony that has changed. It then resolves by step to a chord tone in the new harmony, giving smooth voice-leading and a sense of tension followed by release. This distinguishes it from other ideas: an appoggiatura is a non-chord tone approached by leap and resolved by step, not inherited from the prior harmony; a Mazurka is a dance form, not a harmonic device; and contrary motion concerns opposite directions of voice movement rather than a note held over to create dissonance.