Chromatic passing tones

Definition

Chromatic passing tones are non-chord tones that connect two chord tones by a stepwise motion, utilizing notes that are not part of the diatonic scale of the key. These tones add color and tension to the melody, enriching the harmonic movement by providing a smoother transition between pitches. By incorporating these passing tones, composers can create more intricate melodic lines that enhance the expressiveness of their music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chromatic passing tones can be used effectively in both melody and harmony, helping to create smoother voice leading and more fluid musical phrases.
2. These tones often appear in sequences or motifs where a repeated melodic pattern is altered by the inclusion of chromatic notes.
3. In tonal music, chromatic passing tones are usually approached and resolved by step, creating a sense of tension that enhances the harmonic progression.
4. They can appear in various musical styles, from classical to jazz and pop, showcasing their versatility across genres.
5. The use of chromatic passing tones is essential for composers looking to enrich their melodies and explore more complex harmonic relationships.

Review Questions

• How do chromatic passing tones function within a melodic line to enhance musical expression?
  • Chromatic passing tones function as connecting notes that add tension and color between chord tones, allowing for smoother melodic transitions. By stepping into notes that fall outside the diatonic scale, they create a richer harmonic texture. This tension resolves when moving back to chord tones, enhancing emotional expression in the music and contributing to more intricate melodic lines.
• Compare chromatic passing tones with neighbor tones and discuss their roles in melodic development.
  • While both chromatic passing tones and neighbor tones serve as non-chord tones in melodies, they have different functions. Chromatic passing tones connect two chord tones by step, often using notes outside the diatonic scale to enrich harmonic movement. In contrast, neighbor tones step away from a chord tone and return to it, providing embellishment rather than progression. Understanding these distinctions allows composers to effectively utilize these devices in creating expressive melodies.
• Evaluate the impact of chromatic passing tones on the overall harmonic structure of a piece. How might this influence a composer's stylistic choices?
  • Chromatic passing tones significantly impact the overall harmonic structure by introducing dissonance that must be resolved, influencing the emotional character of a piece. Composers who utilize these tones can create more complex harmonic relationships and richer textures, enhancing listener engagement. This choice reflects their stylistic preferences; for instance, a composer leaning towards romanticism may use these tones to evoke heightened emotions, while one in classical traditions might employ them for structural clarity and coherence.

Related terms

Diatonic Scale: A scale composed of seven pitches, each of which corresponds to a degree in a given key, and includes no chromatic alterations.

Neighbor Tone:

A non-chord tone that steps away from a chord tone and returns to it, often used to embellish melodies.

Appoggiatura: A type of non-chord tone that is approached by a leap and resolved by a step to a chord tone, creating a strong sense of dissonance and resolution.