key term - Chromatic Passing Tone

Definition

A chromatic passing tone is a non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step, using a note that is not part of the prevailing harmony. This embellishing tone provides a smooth melodic transition between two stable notes and adds color to the line. Chromatic passing tones can create tension and release, enriching the harmonic texture and contributing to the overall expressiveness of the music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chromatic passing tones often appear between chord tones that are a third apart, helping to fill in the gap between these pitches.
2. They can enhance melodic interest by introducing unexpected pitches, creating moments of surprise or tension.
3. Chromatic passing tones can occur in any voice leading context, making them versatile for various musical styles.
4. When used excessively, chromatic passing tones can lead to a sense of harmonic ambiguity or over-complexity in the melody.
5. In jazz and contemporary music, chromatic passing tones are often used to create smoother lines and richer harmonies.

Review Questions

• How do chromatic passing tones function within a melody and what effect do they have on musical phrases?
  • Chromatic passing tones function by connecting two chord tones that are not adjacent in pitch, providing smooth transitions and enhancing the melodic line. Their use can create tension as they introduce unexpected pitches, enriching the expressiveness of the music. By bridging gaps between chord tones, chromatic passing tones help to create a more fluid and engaging musical phrase, contributing to the overall coherence of the melody.
• Compare and contrast chromatic passing tones with diatonic passing tones in terms of their roles in harmonic progression.
  • Chromatic passing tones differ from diatonic passing tones in that they utilize pitches outside of the prevailing key, while diatonic passing tones strictly adhere to the notes within the scale. Both serve to connect chord tones by step and add movement to melodic lines, but chromatic passing tones introduce an element of surprise and color that can heighten emotional expression. This contrast allows composers and performers to choose between more stable, diatonic approaches or adventurous chromatic choices depending on the desired effect in their music.
• Evaluate how the use of chromatic passing tones can influence the emotional character of a piece of music and its overall harmonic structure.
  • The use of chromatic passing tones can significantly influence a piece's emotional character by introducing tension and unexpected color within its harmonic structure. By bridging chord tones with non-diatonic notes, composers can create moments of instability that evoke feelings such as longing or excitement. This contrast between tension created by chromatic passing tones and resolution found in stable chord tones contributes to dynamic narrative arcs in music, enhancing emotional impact and complexity while guiding listeners through the composer’s intended journey.

Related terms

Diatonic Passing Tone: A diatonic passing tone is a non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step, using notes that are part of the prevailing scale or key.

Neighbor Tone: A neighbor tone is a non-chord tone that steps away from a chord tone and then returns to the same chord tone, creating an embellishment.

Suspension:

A suspension is a non-chord tone that is held over from the previous chord before resolving down to a chord tone in the next chord.