escape tone
A non-chord tone that is approached by step and left by leap in the opposite direction
In Depth
The escape tone, also called an échappée, steps away from a chord tone and then leaps in the opposite direction to the next chord tone. It is almost always unaccented. The effect is a brief decorative detour that adds rhythmic and melodic interest. Escape tones are less common than passing tones and neighbour notes but appear frequently in Classical and Romantic melody writing, particularly at cadential approaches.
The escape tone was considered an error in strict counterpoint but was freely used by composers from Bach onward as an expressive melodic gesture.