Appoggiatura

Definition

An appoggiatura is a type of non-chord tone that typically occurs as a melodic embellishment, where a note is approached by leap and resolved by step to a chord tone. This embellishment adds expressiveness and tension, creating a moment of dissonance before resolving into harmony. Appoggiaturas often appear on strong beats, emphasizing their emotional impact within the musical phrase.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Appoggiaturas are typically approached by leap, making them stand out more than other non-chord tones that are approached by step.
2. They create dissonance when they occur and are generally resolved by moving to a chord tone, which provides a satisfying sense of resolution.
3. In terms of rhythmic placement, appoggiaturas often fall on strong beats, emphasizing their impact in the musical line.
4. While appoggiaturas usually resolve downward to the nearest chord tone, they can also resolve upward depending on the context.
5. The emotional effect of an appoggiatura can vary widely based on its context in the melody and harmony, often heightening the expression of a musical phrase.

Review Questions

• How does the approach and resolution of an appoggiatura contribute to its function as a non-chord tone?
  • An appoggiatura is approached by leap, creating an immediate sense of dissonance and tension when it occurs. This dissonance is typically resolved by stepping to a chord tone, which allows for a release of that tension. This specific approach and resolution pattern gives the appoggiatura its distinct character as a non-chord tone that enhances the expressiveness of the melody.
• Compare the characteristics of an appoggiatura with those of passing tones and neighbor tones in melodic construction.
  • While appoggiaturas are approached by leap and create dissonance that resolves to a chord tone, passing tones connect two chord tones by step, resulting in less tension. Neighbor tones also move away from a chord tone by step but return to the original note. The key difference lies in how appoggiaturas emphasize emotional tension through their distinctive leap and resolution compared to the smoother transitions of passing and neighbor tones.
• Evaluate how the use of appoggiaturas can enhance the emotional expression in a musical composition and provide examples of this effect.
  • Appoggiaturas can greatly enhance emotional expression in music by introducing moments of tension followed by resolution. For instance, when composers use appoggiaturas during climactic moments or poignant phrases, they can evoke feelings of longing or surprise. A well-placed appoggiatura can transform a simple melody into something profound by highlighting emotional peaks, such as in operatic arias or lyrical instrumental pieces where heightened expressiveness is crucial.

Related terms

Non-Chord Tone: A note that does not belong to the underlying chord, creating dissonance and tension in the melody before resolving to a chord tone.

Passing Tone: A non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step, creating a smooth melodic transition without the same level of tension as an appoggiatura.

Neighbor Tone: A non-chord tone that moves away from a chord tone by step and then returns to the original note, providing decorative embellishment in a melody.