Definition

1. Noun:
   • An embellishing note, usually written in smaller size: In music, an appoggiatura is a type of ornamental note that leans on the main note, creating a dissonance that resolves. It is typically notated as a small note preceding a principal note.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The singer added a beautiful appoggiatura before the final note of the phrase.
  • In Baroque music, an appoggiatura is often used to express pathos.
  • The score indicates an appoggiatura on the third beat.

Advanced Usage

• Distinction from Acciaccatura: While both are ornamental notes, an typically takes a significant portion of the main note's value, whereas an acciaccatura (or "crushed note") is played very quickly before the beat.
  • The appoggiatura in that cadence should be given half the value of the following note.
• Implied Appoggiatura: In performance practice, an may be applied even when not explicitly written, based on the musical style of the period.
  • According to the convention, an appoggiatura is implied on that descending second.

Variants and Related Words

• Acciaccatura (n): A very short, "crushed" ornamental note.
• Grace note (n): A general term for various small ornamental notes, including appoggiaturas and acciaccaturas.
• Ornament (n): A decorative note or group of notes added to a melody.

Synonyms

• Leaning note: A descriptive synonym highlighting how the note "leans" into the principal note.
• Grace note: A broader term that can encompass the appoggiatura.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• To resolve like an appoggiatura: Used metaphorically to describe a tension that finds a satisfying conclusion.
  • Their long-standing disagreement finally resolved like an appoggiatura, with a harmonious agreement.

Noun

1. an embellishing note usually written in smaller size