Last month, I gave some tips on how to execute an effective appoggiatura. This month, I would like to share the performance practice of the Baroque based on the directions written by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) one of the pre-eminent performers and composers of the time.
In the flute works of Bach, Telemann and Handel, the appoggiatura was often indicated by a smaller note that looked like our modern day grace note. The size of the note is misleading and belies the importance of this musical device.
1. The appoggiatura is written as a small group of notes that is not dashed like the grace notes of later composers.
2. The value of the appoggiatura is not added when counting the time values in the bar.
3. The appoggiatura is always played on the beat with the principal note it proceeds following.
3. The duration of the appoggiatura is determined by the note value of the principal note. For instance with an un-dotted principal note, the appoggiatura takes half its value and the principal takes the remainder. For a dotted principal note, the appoggiatura takes two thirds its value and the principal takes the remainder. However, the partition rule for appoggiaturas may occasionally change as rhythmic or harmonic considerations indicate. This is especially important to note when there is a tie in the principal note creating in essence a dotted note but the harmony has changed so the principal note is acting as a non-dotted note.
4. The appoggiatura often formalizes the practice of “freely filling-in thirds” in melodic lines. This is very important to note when you begin to ornament Baroque music, a practice that is expected of the performer. An appoggiatura can act as one of the many ways in which a melody can be altered.
I hope that some of these “rules” assist when you begin studying Baroque music. There is a very specific sound to the appoggiatura in Baroque music, particularly when it precedes a trill. Practicing this art in the purest sense can give your recitals and concerts an authentic air and much variety.
