An appoggiatura is an ornamental note that is played on the beat and is usually rhythmically equal to half the value of the note that follows it. It is a type of non-chord tone that adds tension and creates a sense of resolution when it resolves to the main note.
Here's a breakdown of the options provided in the question:
1. A rapid alternation between the written note and the one above it is called a trill, not an appoggiatura.
2. A grace note is a type of ornament that is played quickly before a main note, adding embellishment to the music. While similar in function to an appoggiatura, they are not the same.
3. The correct definition of an appoggiatura is the one provided above: an ornamental note played on the beat, usually resolving to a main note and taking half the value of the following note.
4. A dynamic marking typical of the Baroque period would refer to notations like "piano," "forte," or "mezzo piano," which indicate the volume or intensity of the music, not to an appoggiatura.
In conclusion, an appoggiatura is a specific type of embellishment in music that plays a significant role in adding emotion and tension to musical phrases.
