Accent (music)
In music, an accent is an emphasis placed on a particular note, either as a result of its context or specifically indicated by an accent mark. Accents contribute to the articulation and prosody of a performance of a musical phrase. Compared to surrounding notes:
- A dynamic accent or stress accent is an emphasis using louder sound, typically most pronounced on the attack of the sound.
- A tonic accent is an emphasis on notes by virtue of being higher in pitch as opposed to higher in volume.
- An agogic accent is an emphasis by virtue of being longer in duration.
Accents which do not correspond to the stressed beats of the prevailing meter are said to be syncopated (See syncopation).
Read more about Accent (music): Agogic Accents, Accent Marks, Anti-accent Marks
Famous quotes containing the word accent:
“The accent of a man’s native country remains in his mind and his heart, as it does in his speech.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)