Appoggiaturas

Definition

An appoggiatura is a type of embellishing tone that is approached by leap and resolved by step to a consonant pitch. This non-chord tone is often used to create tension, as it typically occurs on a strong beat and delays the resolution to the main chord tone. Appoggiaturas enhance melodic lines, adding expressiveness and complexity to musical phrases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Appoggiaturas are typically approached by a leap, often skipping over one or more notes, and they resolve downward to a chord tone.
2. They usually occur on strong beats, which gives them an emphasis that heightens their tension before resolving.
3. In terms of notation, appoggiaturas are commonly notated as small notes preceding the main note, signaling their decorative function.
4. The effect of an appoggiatura can be quite dramatic, making it a favorite tool among composers for enhancing emotional expression in music.
5. While traditionally considered dissonant, appoggiaturas contribute to the overall harmonic texture by leading to consonant tones.

Review Questions

• How does an appoggiatura function within a musical phrase, and what role does it play in shaping melody?
  • An appoggiatura functions by introducing tension within a musical phrase. It is approached by leap, landing on a dissonant note before resolving down to a consonant tone. This technique shapes melody by creating an emotional pull, enhancing expressiveness and making the music more engaging for listeners.
• Compare and contrast appoggiaturas with suspensions in terms of their approach, resolution, and impact on musical texture.
  • Appoggiaturas and suspensions both create tension but do so in different ways. An appoggiatura leaps to a dissonant note and resolves downward to a consonant note, while a suspension holds over a note from the previous chord before resolving downwards. Appoggiaturas often emphasize moments of climax on strong beats, whereas suspensions typically create a sense of continuity and delay before resolution, both contributing uniquely to musical texture.
• Evaluate the significance of appoggiaturas in the context of musical expression throughout different historical periods.
  • The significance of appoggiaturas has evolved across various historical periods. In the Baroque era, they were essential for creating expressive melodies within the ornamented style prevalent at the time. As musical styles transitioned into Classical and Romantic periods, composers increasingly utilized appoggiaturas to evoke emotions and add depth to their compositions. Analyzing their use reveals insights into how composers adapted embellishing techniques to convey feelings and enhance narrative elements in music.

Related terms

Embellishing Tone: A non-chord tone that decorates or ornaments a melody, adding interest and complexity without altering the underlying harmony.

Suspension:

A type of non-chord tone that involves holding a note from the previous chord into the next chord, creating tension that resolves downwards.

Passing Tone: A non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step, filling in the melodic line and creating smoother transitions between notes.