Trill (tr)
A trill rapidly alternates the written note with the diatonic note above for the marked duration. Starting on the main note is common in later practice, while Baroque and much Classical repertoire commonly starts on the upper note; style and edition decide.
The sources do not fully agree about this sign. The explanation above says where they part company.
- Ornaments and grace notes
- Above the note
- Letters
Do not confuse it with
A short mordent makes one quick excursion and returns; a trill continues alternating for the marked duration.
What the sources say
- MEI Guidelines — Trills
Trills are a type of ornament that consists of a rapid alternation of a note with one a semitone or tone above.
- Dictionnaire de la musique — Trille
Cet ornement peut être attaqué soit sur la note principale, soit sur la note supérieure, selon sa durée, sa fonction harmonique ou mélodique, l'endroit où il est placé, la phrase musicale et l'époque en question.
- Steps to Music Theory — Compound Meters
Ornaments have changed meaning throughout the centuries; a mordent in 1750 may not be performed the same as a mordent in 1880.