arpeggiated

Arpeggiated refers to a musical texture or performance technique in which the notes of a chord are sounded in succession rather than simultaneously. The term derives from the Italian word “arpeggiare,” meaning “to play on a harp,” reflecting the instrument’s natural capacity to execute rapid, flowing sequences of pitches. When a passage is marked arpeggiated, the performer typically strikes each note of the chord one after another, often in an ascending or descending order, creating a rippling effect that highlights the harmonic structure.

In notation, arpeggiation is commonly indicated by a vertical wavy line placed before the chord, or by the word “arpeggiato” in Italian. The direction of the line (upward or downward) may suggest the order of the notes, though composers frequently leave the exact voicing to the performer’s discretion. On keyboard instruments, arpeggiated chords are executed by rolling the fingers across the keys, while on stringed instruments they are performed by plucking or bowing each string in sequence.

Arpeggiated figures appear in a wide range of musical styles, from Baroque basso continuo and Classical piano études to contemporary film scores and electronic music. They serve both melodic and harmonic functions, providing a sense of motion, texture, and clarity. In improvisation, arpeggios form the basis for outlining chord progressions, enabling musicians to navigate harmony efficiently. The technique remains a fundamental element of instrumental pedagogy and composition.