trill

A rapid alternation between a note and the note above it.‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌

In Depth

A trill is a rapid alternation between a note and the note above it (usually a step above in the prevailing key).‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌ The effect adds brilliance, energy, and decoration to a melodic line. Trills are indicated by the abbreviation tr above the note, sometimes with a wavy line extending through the passage. In Baroque music, trills were an expected ornament even when not written out, and there was considerable debate about whether they should begin on the upper note or the main note. Modern practice generally begins on the main note. A good trill should be even, controlled, and at a speed appropriate to the tempo and style. Long trills often end with a turn (a brief figure that leads smoothly into the next note).

Did you know?

Beethoven's late piano sonatas contain trills so long and elaborate that they become structural elements rather than ornaments — the trill in the final movement of Op. 111 lasts for nearly a full page.

Related Terms

tremolo

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accent

A stress or emphasis placed on a particular note.

acciaccatura

A very short grace note played as quickly as possible before the main note.

acciaccatura explained

A very short ornamental note played as quickly as possible before the main note, taking no perceptible time

appoggiatura

A grace note that takes time from the following main note, creating a brief dissonance.

appoggiatura explained

An ornamental note that falls on the beat, creating a dissonance that resolves by step to the main note

arco

An instruction to return to bowing after a pizzicato passage.

articulation marks

Symbols placed above or below notes to indicate how they should be attacked, sustained, and released

detaché

Separate bow strokes for each note, but without the shortness of staccato.

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