Origin Of "retardation" As Distinct From "suspension"

Apr 21, 2025 by ADMIN 54 views

The Evolution of Musical Terminology: Unpacking the Distinction between Suspension and Retardation

In the realm of music theory, the concepts of suspension and retardation are often discussed in tandem, with some musicians and theorists drawing a distinction between the two based on the direction of resolution. However, this distinction is not universally accepted, and its origins are shrouded in mystery. In this article, we will delve into the history of musical terminology, exploring the evolution of these concepts and examining the arguments for and against the distinction between suspension and retardation.

A Brief History of Musical Terminology

Music theory has a rich and complex history, with various terms and concepts emerging over the centuries. The development of musical terminology is closely tied to the evolution of musical styles and genres, as well as the contributions of individual theorists and composers. In the context of suspension and retardation, we must consider the historical context in which these terms emerged.

The Emergence of Suspension and Retardation

The term "suspension" has its roots in the 16th century, when it was used to describe a dissonant note or chord that was delayed in resolution. This concept was first discussed by the Italian composer and theorist Gioseffo Zarlino in his treatise "Istitutioni Harmoniche" (1558). Zarlino described suspension as a dissonant note that was "suspended" or delayed in resolution, often creating a sense of tension before resolving to a consonant note or chord.

In contrast, the term "retardation" emerged in the 17th century, when it was used to describe a delay in the resolution of a dissonant note or chord. This concept was first discussed by the French composer and theorist Jean-Philippe Rameau in his treatise "Traité de l'Harmonie" (1722). Rameau described retardation as a delay in the resolution of a dissonant note or chord, often creating a sense of drama or tension before resolving to a consonant note or chord.

The Distinction between Suspension and Retardation

Some musicians and theorists argue that suspension and retardation are distinct concepts, with suspension referring to a dissonant note or chord that is delayed in resolution, while retardation refers to a delay in the resolution of a dissonant note or chord that is not necessarily delayed in its initial appearance. This distinction is often based on the direction of resolution, with suspension implying a resolution in the same direction as the initial dissonant note or chord, and retardation implying a resolution in the opposite direction.

However, this distinction is not universally accepted, and many musicians and theorists argue that the terms "suspension" and "retardation" are often used interchangeably, with little distinction between the two. In fact, many music theory texts and resources do not make a clear distinction between suspension and retardation, instead using the terms to describe a delay in the resolution of a dissonant note or chord.

Counterpoint and Species Counterpoint

In the context of counterpoint and species counterpoint, the distinction between suspension and retardation is particularly relevant. Counterpoint is a style of music that emphasizes the interweaving of melodic lines, often creating a complex and intricate texture. Species counterpoint is a specific type of counterpoint that involves the use of a specific set of rules and guidelines to create a counterpoint.

In species counterpoint, the distinction between suspension and retardation is often used to describe the resolution of dissonant notes or chords. For example, in species counterpoint, a suspension might be used to delay the resolution of a dissonant note or chord, while a retardation might be used to delay the resolution of a dissonant note or chord in a specific direction.

Voice Leading and the Distinction between Suspension and Retardation

In the context of voice leading, the distinction between suspension and retardation is also relevant. Voice leading refers to the way in which individual melodic lines are interwoven to create a complex and intricate texture. In voice leading, the distinction between suspension and retardation is often used to describe the resolution of dissonant notes or chords.

For example, in voice leading, a suspension might be used to delay the resolution of a dissonant note or chord, while a retardation might be used to delay the resolution of a dissonant note or chord in a specific direction. However, this distinction is not universally accepted, and many musicians and theorists argue that the terms "suspension" and "retardation" are often used interchangeably, with little distinction between the two.

In conclusion, the distinction between suspension and retardation is a complex and nuanced topic, with various arguments for and against the distinction. While some musicians and theorists argue that suspension and retardation are distinct concepts, with suspension referring to a dissonant note or chord that is delayed in resolution, and retardation referring to a delay in the resolution of a dissonant note or chord that is not necessarily delayed in its initial appearance, others argue that the terms are often used interchangeably, with little distinction between the two.

Ultimately, the distinction between suspension and retardation is a matter of interpretation, and different musicians and theorists may have different perspectives on the matter. However, by examining the history of musical terminology and the evolution of these concepts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and nuanced world of music theory.

Recommendations for Further Study

For those interested in further studying the distinction between suspension and retardation, we recommend the following resources:

Gioseffo Zarlino's "Istitutioni Harmoniche" (1558)
Jean-Philippe Rameau's "Traité de l'Harmonie" (1722)
Various music theory texts and resources, including those by Heinrich Schenker, Arnold Schoenberg, and others.

By exploring these resources and engaging with the complex and nuanced world of music theory, musicians and theorists can gain a deeper understanding of the distinction between suspension and retardation, and develop a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to music composition and analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: Suspension and Retardation in Music Theory

A: The distinction between suspension and retardation is a matter of interpretation, and different musicians and theorists may have different perspectives on the matter. However, some argue that suspension refers to a dissonant note or chord that is delayed in resolution, while retardation refers to a delay in the resolution of a dissonant note or chord that is not necessarily delayed in its initial appearance.

A: Some argue that suspension implies a resolution in the same direction as the initial dissonant note or chord, while retardation implies a resolution in the opposite direction. However, this distinction is not universally accepted, and many musicians and theorists argue that the terms are often used interchangeably, with little distinction between the two.

A: The term "suspension" has its roots in the 16th century, when it was used to describe a dissonant note or chord that was delayed in resolution. The term "retardation" emerged in the 17th century, when it was used to describe a delay in the resolution of a dissonant note or chord.

A: In counterpoint and species counterpoint, the distinction between suspension and retardation is often used to describe the resolution of dissonant notes or chords. For example, in species counterpoint, a suspension might be used to delay the resolution of a dissonant note or chord, while a retardation might be used to delay the resolution of a dissonant note or chord in a specific direction.

A: In voice leading, the distinction between suspension and retardation is often used to describe the resolution of dissonant notes or chords. For example, in voice leading, a suspension might be used to delay the resolution of a dissonant note or chord, while a retardation might be used to delay the resolution of a dissonant note or chord in a specific direction.

A: Some common examples of suspension and retardation in music include:

A dissonant note or chord that is delayed in resolution, such as a suspended chord in a jazz or pop song.
A delay in the resolution of a dissonant note or chord, such as a retardation in a classical or romantic-era piece.
A use of suspension or retardation to create a sense of tension or drama, such as in a film score or a dramatic piece of music.

A: To apply suspension and retardation in your own music composition or analysis, consider the following:

Experiment with delaying the resolution of dissonant notes or chords to create a sense of tension or drama.
Use suspension and retardation to create a sense of surprise or unexpectedness in your music.
Analyze the use of suspension and retardation in the music of other composers or styles to gain a deeper understanding of these concepts.

A: Some recommended resources for further study on suspension and retardation in music theory include:

Gioseffo Zarlino's "Istitutioni Harmoniche" (1558)
Jean-Philippe Rameau's "Traité de l'Harmonie" (1722)
Various music theory texts and resources, including those by Heinrich Schenker, Arnold Schoenberg, and others.