What kind of musical interval does cambiata involve?

Cambiata is a musical interval characterized by a specific melodic movement that begins with a descending motion to a dissonant pitch before resolving to a consonant one. This structure creates a sense of tension and release within the melody. The initial descent to the dissonant pitch is often filled with emotional weight or dramatic effect, while the resolution to consonance provides satisfaction and closure.

This technique is common in various musical styles and helps to enhance the expressiveness of a piece. The dissonance acts as a moment of instability, which is then followed by the more stable consonance, illustrating the use of contrasting harmonic textures. Understanding this relationship between dissonance and consonance is crucial for recognizing and analyzing melodic lines in music theory and practice.