ARPEGGIATED Meaning and
Definition
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Arpeggiated, in music theory, refers to the technique of playing or writing a chord where its notes are played or heard in a broken or sequential manner rather than simultaneously. The term is derived from the Italian word "arpeggiare," which means "to play the harp."
When a chord is arpeggiated, the individual notes of the chord are played in a specific order, either ascending or descending, to create a flowing and melodic effect. This technique is commonly used in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and pop music, to add texture, depth, and interest to a piece.
Arpeggiated chords are often indicated in sheet music by using symbols such as diagonal lines or wavy lines connecting the chord's notes, or by written instructions like "arpeggio." These notations inform the performer to play the chord's notes in a broken pattern rather than simultaneously.
The execution of arpeggiated chords can vary, depending on the musical style and the instrument being played. Guitarists, for example, might use specific fingerpicking patterns or strumming techniques to achieve the desired arpeggiated effect. Pianists may employ a combination of finger movements to achieve a smooth and flowing arpeggio.
Overall, arpeggiated chords allow musicians to create a sense of motion, fluidity, and harmonic richness by emphasizing the individual notes of a chord in a sequential manner.
Etymology of ARPEGGIATED
The word "arpeggiated" comes from the Italian word "arpeggiare", which means "to play on a harp". The Italian term is derived from "arpa", the word for "harp". In the musical context, "arpeggiated" refers to the technique of playing the notes of a chord in a broken or rolling fashion, resembling the way a harp would be played.
