Characteristics:
- Duration: Sustain chords are played and sustained for a longer period compared to other accompanying chords.
- Harmony: Sustain chords provide harmonic stability and a foundation for the rest of the music to progress over.
- Ambience: They create an atmosphere of tension or anticipation by holding the chord for a prolonged time.
- Resolution: Sustain chords can also lead to resolution or release when they are finally resolved into another chord.
- Expression: Composers and performers use sustain chords to add emotional weight and depth to their music.
Usage:
- Sustained chords are commonly found in classical music, jazz, and film music.
- They are used to build anticipation before a resolution or lead into a climactic moment.
- Sustained chords also create atmosphere and emphasize certain parts of a musical piece.
- In slow-paced music, they might be used to create a sense of serenity and reflection.
- In fast-paced music, they might be used to heighten tension and excitement.
Examples:
1. Adagio in G minor by Albinoni: The piece features sustained chords that provide a foundation and create a melancholic atmosphere.
2. "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion: The chorus is built around a sustained A minor chord, which gives the song its emotional impact.
3. "Strawberry Fields Forever" by The Beatles: The intro uses a sustained E major chord to establish a dreamy and psychedelic mood.
Sustained chords are a fundamental part of musical expression, adding depth and emotional resonance to compositions and contributing to the overall listening experience.