Acciaccatura meaning

An acciaccatura is a musical ornament that involves quickly playing a grace note just before a main note.


Acciaccatura definitions

Word backwards arutaccaicca
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division ac-ci-ac-ca-tu-ra
Plural The plural of acciaccatura is acciaccature.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) a,i,u
Consonants (3) c,t,r

Acciaccatura is a musical term that refers to a grace note which is played very quickly, almost as a decoration to the main melody. This note is usually played at the same time as the main note and then quickly released, creating a dissonant sound that resolves into the main melody.

Origin of Acciaccatura

The term acciaccatura comes from the Italian word "to crush" or "to bruise," which reflects the quick and almost harsh nature of this musical ornamentation. It is also sometimes referred to as a "crushed note."

Acciaccatura in Practice

In sheet music, an acciaccatura is represented by a small note with a slash through the stem. It is typically played so quickly that it does not affect the overall rhythm of the piece but adds a brief moment of tension and color to the music.

Acciaccatura vs. Appoggiatura

It is important to note the difference between an acciaccatura and an appoggiatura. While an acciaccatura is played almost simultaneously with the main note, an appoggiatura is played slightly before and takes up a portion of the main note's value.

Overall, the acciaccatura is a subtle yet effective musical device that adds depth and emotion to a piece of music. When used skillfully, it can enhance the overall musical experience for both the performer and the listener.


Acciaccatura Examples

  1. The pianist added an acciaccatura to the final note of the piece, creating a sense of tension.
  2. In the musical score, the composer included an acciaccatura to emphasize the melody.
  3. During the performance, the violinist executed the acciaccatura flawlessly, impressing the audience.
  4. The acciaccatura added a touch of ornamentation to the otherwise simple melody.
  5. The acciaccatura in the piece required the pianist to quickly strike the key before moving on to the next note.
  6. The conductor emphasized the importance of the acciaccatura in bringing out the emotion of the composition.
  7. The violin solo featured a complex series of acciaccaturas that showcased the musician's skill.
  8. The music teacher explained the concept of acciaccatura to the students during the lesson.
  9. The composer chose to use an acciaccatura to create a sense of urgency in the piece.
  10. During the rehearsal, the pianist practiced the acciaccatura repeatedly to ensure precision in the performance.


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  • Updated 26/03/2024 - 07:20:29