appoggiaturat

An appoggiatura is a type of musical ornament. It is a dissonant note that is approached by step and resolves by step to a consonant note. The appoggiatura is typically written as a small note preceding the main note. It is usually performed with the same duration as the main note, meaning the main note is shortened. The appoggiatura takes half of the value of the main note if the main note is not dotted, and two-thirds of the value if the main note is dotted.

The appoggiatura is often found in Baroque and Classical period music. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart frequently used appoggiaturas to add expressive color and emotional weight to their melodies. The effect of an appoggiatura can be described as a sigh, a cry, or a gentle leaning into the main note. The dissonance created by the appoggiatura creates a momentary tension that is then relieved by its resolution to the consonant note.

There are several types of appoggiaturas, including the upper appoggiatura, which is a note above the main note, and the lower appoggiatura, which is a note below the main note. The most common is the upper appoggiatura. The melodic context and harmonic progression determine the specific character and effect of an appoggiatura. Its placement and length contribute significantly to the overall phrasing and emotional contour of a musical passage.