key term - Upper Neighbor Tone

Definition

An upper neighbor tone is a type of embellishing tone that is approached by a step from a chord tone and resolves back to that same chord tone. This tone adds richness to the harmony by creating a momentary dissonance before returning to stability. Upper neighbor tones are often used to add expression and decoration to melodies, enhancing the overall musical experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Upper neighbor tones are always a step above the chord tone they embellish, providing a brief moment of dissonance before returning to consonance.
2. These tones typically occur on the weaker beats of the measure, which helps maintain the rhythmic structure while adding interest.
3. In music notation, upper neighbor tones are often notated with small note heads or indicated through contextual placement in relation to the main melody.
4. They can appear in both melodic lines and harmonic progressions, allowing composers and performers to enhance musical phrases.
5. Upper neighbor tones can be found in various musical styles, from classical compositions to popular music, demonstrating their versatility as an embellishing device.

Review Questions

• How does an upper neighbor tone function within a melodic context?
  • An upper neighbor tone functions as an embellishing device that adds complexity to a melody. It is approached by a step from a chord tone and resolves back to that same chord tone, creating a brief moment of dissonance. This technique enhances the expressiveness of the melody and contributes to its overall flow by connecting notes in a way that captures the listener's attention.
• Compare and contrast upper neighbor tones and passing tones in terms of their roles in musical composition.
  • Upper neighbor tones and passing tones both serve as embellishments within melodies but differ in their approaches and resolutions. An upper neighbor tone is approached by a step from below and resolves back to the original chord tone, while a passing tone connects two chord tones by stepping between them. The upper neighbor tone introduces a momentary dissonance above the chord, whereas passing tones create smooth transitions, filling in gaps within melodic lines.
• Evaluate the significance of upper neighbor tones in enhancing musical expression across different genres.
  • Upper neighbor tones play a crucial role in enhancing musical expression by adding depth and nuance to melodies across various genres. Their ability to create brief moments of tension before resolving adds emotional weight to musical phrases. This technique is utilized by composers from classical to contemporary styles, demonstrating its effectiveness in engaging listeners and enriching the overall listening experience through subtle melodic decoration.

Related terms

Lower Neighbor Tone:

A lower neighbor tone is approached by a step from a chord tone and resolves back to that same chord tone, similar to the upper neighbor tone but descending instead.

Passing Tone: A passing tone is an embellishing tone that connects two chord tones by stepping between them, creating a smooth melodic line.

Suspension:

A suspension is a type of dissonance where a note from a previous chord is held over into the next chord, creating tension that resolves when the suspended note moves down to a consonant note.