Trill

Definition

A trill is an ornamentation technique in music that involves the rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, typically a main note and its upper neighbor. This embellishment adds expressiveness and complexity to melodies, making it a popular choice for improvisation and ornamentation in Baroque music. Trills not only enhance musical phrases but also showcase the performer's technical skill and interpretive choices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Trills are notated with a 'tr' symbol above the note in sheet music, indicating the performer should execute the ornamentation.
2. The speed and execution of trills can vary based on the style and tempo of the piece, allowing for individual interpretation by the performer.
3. Trills are often used as a way to decorate cadences, adding flair and excitement at the ends of musical phrases.
4. In Baroque music, trills were commonly expected to be improvised, with performers using them to showcase their virtuosity.
5. The starting note of a trill can sometimes be altered based on the context of the harmony and melodic line, leading to variations in its performance.

Review Questions

• How does a trill enhance the expressiveness of a musical piece?
  • A trill enhances expressiveness by adding a layer of decoration that can create tension and excitement in a melody. This rapid alternation between two notes draws the listener's attention and elevates the emotional impact of the phrase. Additionally, by varying the speed and style of the trill, performers can convey different feelings or moods, thus enriching the overall musical experience.
• In what ways does ornamentation, including trills, contribute to improvisation in Baroque music?
  • Ornamentation, such as trills, plays a vital role in Baroque improvisation by allowing musicians to personalize their performances and demonstrate technical prowess. Performers could use trills creatively to enhance melodies, often choosing when and how to apply them based on their understanding of the music's emotional content. This practice not only highlighted individual artistry but also aligned with Baroque aesthetics that valued expressiveness and complexity.
• Evaluate the significance of trills within the context of Baroque performance practices and how they reflect broader musical trends of the era.
  • Trills hold significant importance in Baroque performance practices as they embody the era's emphasis on expressiveness and virtuosic display. The expectation for performers to improvise trills reflects broader trends where individual interpretation and embellishment were celebrated. As musicians navigated the balance between written music and personal expression, trills became symbolic of this dynamic relationship, illustrating how ornamentation was central to defining Baroque artistry and style.

Related terms

ornamentation: Decorative notes added to a melody to enhance its expressiveness, including techniques like trills, turns, and mordents.

appoggiatura:

A non-chord note that is approached by leap and resolves by step, often used in conjunction with trills to create tension.

improvisation: The act of creating music spontaneously, allowing performers to embellish melodies with techniques such as trills for expressive effect.