Ornaments (Part II): The Trill and the Fioritura

The ornaments and other elements that make up music are so varied that it would be difficult to explain them all in a single post. That's why I'm bringing you another article covering two different symbols that, despite their differences, are both extremely important when performing a piece of music. To find out what they are, I encourage you to keep reading.

The Trill

This is an ornament that produces a rapid alternation between two notes a step apart. On the staff, it is usually marked with the letters tr, followed by a wavy line that runs to the end of the ornament. Its effect resembles the song of birds.

Types of trill

Simple: this one begins and ends on the principal note, and it is the most common type found in musical compositions.  

Inverted: as the name suggests, this trill begins on the upper note and ends on the principal note. It's worth noting that its use became more frequent during the Baroque period, as well as in the early Classical era.

This ornament is made up of three parts: the preparation, the beating, and the termination.

It's worth pointing out that there are three types of preparation, which are explained below.

• The ornament begins on the written note.
• It may begin on the note above the one written on the staff.
• The ornament starts on the note below the written one.

Beating: this is the actual execution of the trill.

Termination: as the trill comes to a close, the score may include a few small notes that indicate how it resolves. That said, the sound of a simple or inverted trill usually finishes immediately on the following note.

How should it be played?

Generally speaking, a trill should be played quickly. The intensity, however, may be greater or lesser depending on the tempo of the piece. Likewise, that speed varies depending on the note over which the trill sits. Keep in mind that the duration of the effect will be the same as that of the principal note.

When performing it, it's important that both the principal note and the upper or lower note (as the case may be) are clearly articulated, so that the ornament achieves its intended purpose.

The Fioritura

This consists of a passage written in small notes, which are suggested by the composer but may also be improvised by the performer at the moment of playing a piece.

The passage in question can be as long as the performer wishes. It's worth noting that playing a fioritura is not mandatory; the musician, or the entire ensemble (if that's the case), can decide whether or not to play these notes. 

To wrap up, ornaments are extremely useful in music. Through these notes and symbols, you can give a piece a personal touch and style. Even so, it's not a good idea to overuse them.