acciaccatura

Meaning

A short grace note (theoretically taking no time at all), occurring on the beat occupied by the main note to which it is prefixed, one scale-step higher or lower than that main note. (Sometimes equivalent, therefore, to a short appoggiatura, but in Baroque music interpreted differently and more strictly.) Written as a note lighter in appearance, typically a quaver (eighth note), with an oblique stroke through the stem.

Synonyms

appoggiatura

grace note

crushed note

short grace note

Translations

acciaccatura

Akkordbrechung

note de grâce

appogiature

abbellimento

acciaccatura

appoggiatura

acciaccatura

Acciaccatura

Pronounced as (IPA)

/əˌt͡ʃɑkəˈtʊɹə/

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian acciaccatura, from the verb acciaccare (“to crush”).