Text: (1) A gradual slackening of pace in the performance of a passage. (2) A holding on of a concordant note into the succeeding chord, in such a mannre that it becomes a discord, which is resolved upwards. A discord of retardation is this opposed to a discord of suspension, the latter being resolved downwards. Three or more parts may be retarded or suspended, and retardations and suspensions may occur in the same chord.

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Source: 125