Escape tone

Definition

An escape tone is a non-chord tone that occurs when a note is approached by a leap and then resolved by step to a chord tone. This technique creates a sense of tension and release, adding expressiveness to the music. Escape tones are typically used to embellish melodies and can be found in various musical styles, enriching the harmonic context of a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Escape tones are usually approached by skipping from a chord tone and then resolving stepwise to another chord tone.
2. They often appear on weak beats of a measure, which helps create forward motion in the melody.
3. Escape tones can enhance emotional expression by introducing unexpected pitches that catch the listener's ear.
4. In classical music, escape tones are often used as part of larger melodic figures, helping to define musical phrases.
5. They can be combined with other non-chord tones, such as passing tones and neighbor tones, to create intricate melodic patterns.

Review Questions

• How do escape tones contribute to the overall expressiveness of a melody?
  • Escape tones add expressiveness to a melody by introducing unexpected pitches that create tension before resolving to chord tones. This technique helps to enrich the harmonic texture and provides movement within the melodic line. By incorporating escape tones, composers can evoke various emotions, making the music more engaging for the listener.
• Compare and contrast escape tones with passing tones in terms of their function within a melody.
  • While both escape tones and passing tones are non-chord tones that add interest to melodies, they serve different functions. Escape tones approach a chord tone by leap and resolve by step, creating tension that is then released. In contrast, passing tones connect two chord tones by step, ensuring a smoother melodic transition. This distinction makes escape tones more dramatic while passing tones maintain fluidity in the melody.
• Evaluate the role of escape tones in classical music composition and how they affect listeners' perception of melodies.
  • Escape tones play a crucial role in classical music composition as they introduce moments of tension that enhance musical phrases. By using escape tones effectively, composers can create intricate melodies that captivate listeners' attention and evoke emotional responses. The unexpected nature of escape tones can surprise listeners, drawing them deeper into the musical experience and encouraging them to engage more fully with the piece.

Related terms

Non-chord tone: A note that is not part of the underlying harmony but adds color and interest to the melody.

Passing tone: A non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step, creating a smooth melodic line.

Suspension: A non-chord tone that is held over from the previous chord before resolving down to a chord tone, creating tension.