appoggiatura Definition
a musical ornament that consists of a non-harmonic note (the appoggiatura) that is resolved by a harmonic note (the main note) in the following chord.
Using appoggiatura: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "appoggiatura" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The appoggiatura adds a sense of tension and release to the melody.
Example
The pianist played the appoggiatura with great skill.
Example
The composer used an appoggiatura to create a feeling of longing in the music.
Phrases with appoggiatura
double appoggiatura
an ornament consisting of two non-harmonic notes that are resolved by the main note
Example
The double appoggiatura is a common ornament in Baroque music.
an ornament consisting of a non-harmonic note that is higher than the main note and is resolved by a lower note
Example
The inverted appoggiatura is a common ornament in Classical music.
an ornament consisting of a non-harmonic note that takes up half the time value of the main note
Example
The short appoggiatura is a common ornament in Romantic music.
Origins of appoggiatura
from Italian 'appoggiare', meaning 'to lean upon'
Summary: appoggiatura in Brief
An 'appoggiatura' [əˌpɒdʒəˈtjʊərə] is a musical ornament that consists of a non-harmonic note that is resolved by a harmonic note in the following chord. It adds a sense of tension and release to the melody, and can be used to create different emotional effects. Variations of the appoggiatura include the double appoggiatura, inverted appoggiatura, and short appoggiatura.