Music A-Level
Suspense and resolution
What Suspense and resolution means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Suspense and resolution
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Suspense and resolution in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Film composers use dominant pedals to build suspense or anticipation before a dramatic climax, while tonic pedals suggest arrival.
Topics that use Suspense and resolution
- Area of study 3: Music for media - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- 9th, 11th, and 13th chords
- Action and drive
- added 6th
- Character development
- Chord extensions
- Chord nomenclature
- Cross-cultural orchestration
- Cross-rhythm
Using Suspense and resolution in the exam
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