Arpeutuneet

Arpeutuneet is a Finnish term that translates to “arpeggiated” in English. It describes chords or passages in which the notes of a chord are sounded in sequence rather than simultaneously. The result is a rolled or spread chord that creates motion and texture within a musical line.

Notation and interpretation: In standard notation, an arpeggio is indicated by a vertical wavy line before the chord. When Finnish scores use arpeutuneet, they denote that the chord should be played as an arpeggio, with the notes typically sounded from bottom to top, though performers may vary the direction or speed depending on context. The exact order and tempo of spreading the chord are often specified by performance directions, and the effect can range from a rapid roll to a more deliberate spread of notes.

Usage and instrumentation: Arpeggios are common across many instruments. On piano, players execute rolled chords to connect harmonic regions or to articulate a flowing texture. On guitar, arpeggios involve plucking strings in sequence along a chord shape, producing a ringing, harp-like effect. In string and wind sections, arpeggiated figures can add color and motion to accompaniment patterns or melodic lines. Arpeutuneet usage appears across classical, Romantic, contemporary, and popular music, as well as in educational contexts for teaching chord tones and voice leading.

Origin and terminology: The term arpeggio comes from the Italian arpeggiare, meaning to play the chord notes in succession. Arpeutuneet is the Finnish-language adaptation used to describe the same technique.