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Glite Dictionary
acciaccatura

acciaccatura

9.9
A very short note played quickly before a main note in music
  • noun
  • /ˌɑːtʃiəˈkɑːtʊrə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : acciaccatura
  • The pianist added an acciaccatura before the main melody to create a lively effect.

Examples

  • She struggled at first to play the acciaccatura smoothly in her piano piece.

  • In Baroque music, the acciaccatura often appears just before a strong beat.

  • The acciaccatura adds a touch of elegance!

  • Can you hear the acciaccatura in that piece?

  • In Baroque music, the acciaccatura is typically played quickly before the main note to embellish the melody.

  • The musician expertly incorporated an acciaccatura into her performance, enhancing the overall expression.

  • To give the music a decorative touch, he included an acciaccatura right before the principal tone.

Synonyms

grace note
vsacciaccatura
  • Specialized
1 7.5

A very short decorative note played quickly before a main note

is played quickly immediately before the main note rather than generally added

How Short

acciaccatura
  • Specialized
9.9
grace note
  • Specialized
1 7.5
appoggiatura
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Surface Forms

acciaccatura singular
acciaccaturas plural

Etymology

Acciaccatura comes from the Italian verb acciaccare, which means 'to crush' or 'to squeeze'. Think of the tiny note as being 'crushed' quickly into the main note, which is why an acciaccatura is a very short ornamental note played just before the main note.