Suspensions in Classical Style

Question 1

What three criteria must be present to produce suspensions in Classical music?

Answer 1

Preparation, Suspension, and Resolution/Release.

Question 2

How is a 4-3 suspension indicated?

Answer 2

The (4) suspension is connected to a preceding note that is a chord tone which is then resolved/released to the 3rd (3) of the preceding sus chord.

Question 3

How is a 9-8 suspension indicated?

Answer 3

The (9) suspension is connected to a preceding note that is a chord tone which is then resolved/released to the Octave (8) of the preceding sus chord.

Question 4

How is a 2-3 suspension indicated?

Answer 4

The (2) suspension is connected to a preceding note that is a chord tone which is then resolved/released to the 3rd (3) of the preceding sus chord.

Question 5

How is a 7-6 suspension resolved?

Answer 5

Each 7th resolves downward by a step to the 6th of the preceding sus chord.