trill explained
A rapid alternation between a written note and the note above it, creating a shimmering ornamental effect
In Depth
The trill is one of the oldest and most common ornaments. In Baroque music, trills typically begin on the upper note; from the Classical period onward, they typically begin on the main note. The speed of alternation varies with tempo and character. Long trills may include a preparatory turn and a concluding anticipation. The notation uses the letters tr above the note, sometimes followed by a wavy line indicating the trill's duration. Mastering the trill is essential for performers of all periods.
Whether to start a trill on the main note or the upper note is one of the most heated debates in historical performance practice.