mordent
Rapid note decoration
A mordent is a musical ornament consisting of a rapid alternation between a note and the note immediately above or below it.
The main note is played, quickly followed by the auxiliary note and back to the main note.
A lower mordent alternates with the note below; an upper mordent (sometimes called an inverted mordent) alternates with the note above.
The ornament adds a brief trill-like decoration without interrupting the melodic line: The harpsichordist added mordents throughout the Baroque piece.
Rapid pitch oscillation
- turnRotational movement
- grace noteDecorative musical tone
- shakeTrembling or blended treat
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
Note-playing hand technique
- executionCompleting a planned task
- attackAggressive act against another
- releaseTo let go
- articulationClear vocal expression
touch · precision · alternation · auxiliary note · speed · clarity · crispness · dexterity
Plucked-string keyboard instrument
- clavichordSoft-toned keyed instrument
- pianoKeyed percussion instrument
- organBody's working component
- fortepianoEarly hammer-action keyboard
manual · keys · Bach · Scarlatti · Couperin · continuo · early music
Representational mark or sign
- wavy lineSerpentine drawn stroke
- scoreNumerical standing in competition
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
- urtextOriginal manuscript form
realization · interpretation · sign · tablature · treatise
trill
Rapid pitch oscillation
- turnRotational movement
- grace noteDecorative musical tone
- shakeTrembling or blended treat
fingering
Note-playing hand technique
articulation · touch · precision · alternation · auxiliary note · speed · clarity · crispness · dexterity · control
harpsichord
Plucked-string keyboard instrument
- clavichordSoft-toned keyed instrument
- pianoKeyed percussion instrument
- organBody's working component
fortepiano · manual · keys · Bach · Scarlatti · Couperin · continuo · early music
symbol
Representational mark or sign
- wavy lineSerpentine drawn stroke
- scoreNumerical standing in competition
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
urtext · realization · interpretation · sign · tablature · treatise