A Cambiata is part of third species counterpoint. The leaping third note in the soprano is the Nota Cambiata.  The Nota Cambiata broke the musical rules of the era because it leapt from a dissonant note. This capricious and anxious leap from the unstable second note makes the consonant Nota Cambiata seem calm and bright, a moment of composure after becoming airborne, like stepping on a roller skate but landing solidly on both feet. From there the progression continues confidently, the motion redirected and stepwise until reaching the first note of the next measure. Leading the soprano voice through this sequence creates a melody with greater dimension, color and energy.