Turn

Definition

In music, a turn is an ornament that consists of a specific sequence of notes surrounding a principal note, adding embellishment and expressiveness to the melodic line. This decorative technique is often used in Baroque music to enhance the emotional impact of a piece, reflecting the stylistic tendencies of the era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Turns typically involve four notes: the principal note, the upper neighbor, the principal note again, and the lower neighbor, before returning to the principal note.
2. Bach frequently employed turns in his compositions, using them not just for embellishment but to develop thematic material and enhance counterpoint.
3. The turn can be executed in various ways, such as starting on the upper or lower neighbor note, which allows for flexibility in expression.
4. In addition to their melodic function, turns also contribute to the harmonic texture by outlining chords and creating tension through dissonance.
5. Understanding how to read and interpret turns is crucial for performers, as they can vary in complexity and style across different works.

Review Questions

• How does Bach's use of turns reflect his contrapuntal techniques?
  • Bach's incorporation of turns in his compositions showcases his mastery of counterpoint by allowing multiple voices to interact in intricate ways. The embellishments provided by turns not only enhance individual lines but also contribute to the overall texture and harmonic richness of his music. By integrating these ornaments skillfully within polyphonic structures, Bach creates dynamic and expressive musical moments that highlight his innovative compositional style.
• In what ways do turns differ from other types of ornamentation in Baroque music?
  • Turns differ from other forms of ornamentation like trills or mordents in their specific melodic pattern and role within a phrase. While trills rapidly alternate between two pitches and mordents involve a quick move to an adjacent note, turns encompass a more elaborate sequence that surrounds a principal note. This complexity allows turns to add depth and character to melodic lines, often providing both embellishment and structural significance in Baroque compositions.
• Evaluate the impact of turns on the emotional expression found in Bach's music and its relevance to Baroque aesthetics.
  • Turns play a crucial role in enhancing emotional expression within Bach's music by adding layers of complexity and nuance to melodies. The ornamentation reflects the Baroque aesthetic that values elaborate musical decoration as a means of conveying deep feelings. By skillfully integrating turns into his works, Bach aligns with contemporary ideals that emphasize the importance of emotional depth and rhetorical power in music, ultimately shaping how listeners experience and interpret his compositions.

Related terms

Ornamentation: The practice of adding decorative notes to a melody, which includes techniques like trills, mordents, and turns.

Counterpoint: A compositional technique involving the interplay of independent melodies, essential to the structure of polyphonic music.

Cadence: A musical phrase that brings closure or a pause, often enhanced by turns to create more expressive resolutions.