key term - Neighbor Tones

Definition

Neighbor tones, also known as auxiliary tones or embellishing tones, are non-chord notes that connect a chord tone to an adjacent note, creating a decorative effect in melodic lines. They are typically approached by step from a chord tone and resolve back to the same chord tone, adding interest and complexity to musical phrases. This technique enriches the harmonic context while maintaining the overall structure of the melody.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neighbor tones usually appear as one of two types: upper neighbor tones, which move up from the chord tone, and lower neighbor tones, which move down.
2. They enhance melodic lines without altering the underlying harmony, making them vital for creating smooth voice leading.
3. Neighbor tones can be used in both ascending and descending patterns, contributing to the overall flow of music.
4. When analyzing music, it's important to recognize neighbor tones as they can often indicate stylistic choices made by composers.
5. In harmonic contexts, neighbor tones help maintain stability by returning to the original chord tone, offering resolution after dissonance.

Review Questions

• How do neighbor tones function within a melody and what is their effect on musical phrases?
  • Neighbor tones function as embellishments in a melody by connecting chord tones through stepwise motion. Their effect on musical phrases is significant as they add decorative interest without changing the underlying harmony. By resolving back to the original chord tone after creating brief dissonance, they help maintain the overall structure while enhancing expressiveness.
• Compare and contrast neighbor tones with passing tones and explain how each contributes differently to melodic development.
  • Neighbor tones differ from passing tones primarily in their function and approach. While neighbor tones move away from a chord tone and return to it, passing tones connect two chord tones directly. Both contribute to melodic development; however, neighbor tones add more embellishment and decoration, whereas passing tones provide smoother transitions between harmonic points.
• Evaluate the role of neighbor tones in establishing musical style and character within a piece of music, considering various composers' techniques.
  • Neighbor tones play a crucial role in establishing musical style and character as they reflect compositional techniques employed by different composers. For instance, composers like Bach often used neighbor tones to create intricate counterpoint and enrich textures, while others may employ them for lyrical expressiveness in Romantic melodies. Evaluating their use reveals insights into a composer’s intent and stylistic choices, illustrating how these embellishing tones contribute significantly to the overall emotional impact of the music.

Related terms

Passing Tones:

Notes that connect two chord tones by step, filling in the space between them in a melodic line.

Suspensions:

Non-chord tones that create a temporary dissonance by holding a note from a previous chord into the next chord before resolving down by step.

Appoggiatura: A non-chord tone that is approached by leap and resolved to a chord tone, creating strong emphasis and tension.