Appoggiatura

Definition

An appoggiatura is a type of non-chord tone that usually occurs as a melodic embellishment, where a dissonant note is approached by a leap and resolved by step to a consonant note. This ornamental tone typically takes emphasis and is often notated as a small note preceding the main note. Appoggiaturas can add emotional depth to melodies by creating tension that resolves to the main tone, making them an important feature in musical expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An appoggiatura is typically approached by leap and resolved by step, often emphasizing the dissonance before resolution.
2. This ornamentation is most commonly used in classical music but can also be found in other genres to enhance melodic expression.
3. Appoggiaturas are often notated as smaller notes, indicating their role as embellishments rather than main melodic notes.
4. They can be classified as either accented or unaccented based on their rhythmic placement in relation to the beat.
5. The emotional effect of an appoggiatura is largely due to the tension created by the leap into the dissonant note followed by its resolution.

Review Questions

• How does an appoggiatura create tension in a musical phrase?
  • An appoggiatura creates tension by introducing a dissonant note that leaps into the melody, contrasting with the underlying harmony. This leap adds emphasis to the note, making it stand out before resolving down to a consonant note by step. The result is a sense of longing or urgency, enhancing the expressive quality of the music.
• Compare and contrast appoggiaturas with neighbor tones in terms of their function within a melody.
  • While both appoggiaturas and neighbor tones are types of non-chord tones that embellish melodies, they differ in their approach and resolution. An appoggiatura approaches its main note by leap and resolves down by step, often creating a stronger sense of tension. In contrast, a neighbor tone steps away from the main note and returns without creating as much dissonance. Thus, appoggiaturas tend to carry more emotional weight compared to neighbor tones.
• Evaluate the impact of using appoggiaturas in different musical styles and how they contribute to overall musical expression.
  • The use of appoggiaturas varies across musical styles, significantly impacting emotional expression and melodic complexity. In classical music, they often enhance lyrical passages by adding dramatic tension and resolution. In jazz or popular music, they can provide interesting melodic twists and color. Analyzing their application reveals how composers utilize these ornamental tones to evoke specific feelings or emphasize key moments within their works.

Related terms

Non-chord tone: A note that does not belong to the chord being played at the same time, creating tension before resolving back to a chord tone.

Neighbor tone: A non-chord tone that steps away from a chord tone and returns to it, typically adding embellishment to the melody.

Suspension: A non-chord tone that is held over from a previous chord, creating dissonance until it resolves down to a chord tone.