Re: Chord names

[timmcn]

> On Nov 26, 2015, at 7:13 PM, Kieren MacMillan <address@hidden> wrote:
> 
> Hi Tim,
> 
>> Sus chords do not resolve to a diatonic major or minor in quartal harmony 
>> for example, so for Lilypond to assume there is a resolution to a major or 
>> minor triad would be unwise.
> 
> Absolutely.
> 
> But to imply that Am(sus) or Am(sus4) has no meaning ignores the reality of 
> composition, performance, and harmonic motion.

Perhaps, but as a sus chord has no 3rd- and thus is not major or minor- 
specifying it as maj(sus) or min(sus) would be confusing in performance (note 
that I play jazz and it is not uncommon to receive a chart about 5 seconds 
before downbeat.  Anything can be explained and resolved in rehearsal, of 
course).  

Given an Am(sus) chord on a chart I would wonder whether the composer wants a 
suspended chord (A D E) or a triad with a 4th- or much more likely 11th- added 
(A C E D).  Adding the maj or min specifier adds confusion because I am forced 
to second-guess compositional intent in real time.  The inclusion of the C 
could be consonant or dissonant- if, for example, the melody note is a B in the 
same octave then there is a minor 2nd- and either effect may be desired.

With the chord Asus I am sure that the notes A D E are called for.  I can tell 
from the rest of the music what the function of the chord is and what the 
resolution will be.

>> Flexibility is one of the strengths of Lilypond.
> 
> Precisely!