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.