How is an escape tone defined in music?

An escape tone is a non-chord tone that typically functions to create tension and movement within a melody. It is defined as a note that is approached by leap and then resolved by step in the opposite direction. This means that the escape tone "escapes" from the note it precedes by making a more significant jump away, and then it typically resolves to a note that is a step away in the opposite direction, often leading back to a consonant tone in the harmony.

This definition reflects its role in melodic writing, where escape tones add interest and variety to a phrase by creating a sense of motion that compels the listener to expect resolution. Since an escape tone typically creates a dissonance that resolves to a consonance, it enriches the harmonic texture of the music.

The other options describe different musical elements or types of non-chord tones, but they do not accurately capture the specific definition and function of an escape tone. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the leap and subsequent resolution characteristic that defines an escape tone in music theory.