[Listening extract, audio available. See printed QP for questions.] A note that does not belong to the chord falls on a strong beat and resolves by stepping...
Question 1 Report
[Listening extract, audio available. See printed QP for questions.]
A note that does not belong to the chord falls on a strong beat and resolves by stepping down to a chord note.
How is this type of non-chord note described? [1]
[Total: 1 mark]
Answer Details
The correct answer is an appoggiatura. [1]
An appoggiatura is a type of non-chord note (also called a non-harmonic tone or decoration) that has two defining characteristics: it falls on a strong beat and it resolves by step (usually downward) to a note that belongs to the underlying chord. Because it lands on the beat, it temporarily displaces the expected chord tone, creating a moment of expressive dissonance before resolving. This distinguishes the appoggiatura from other non-chord notes:
- A passing note moves stepwise between two chord tones but typically falls on a weak beat.
- An auxiliary (neighbour) note steps away from a chord tone and returns to the same note.
- A suspension is held over (tied) from the previous beat and then resolves downward.
The appoggiatura's placement on the strong beat gives it particular expressive weight, often described as a "leaning" note.
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