- Understand the purpose and history of Baroque ornamentation
- Learn basic grace notes (acciaccatura and appoggiatura)
- Master simple mordent and turn ornaments
- Apply ornamentation tastefully to melodies
Introduction
Ornamentation is the art of decorating melodies with extra notes. In Baroque music (1600-1750), ornaments weren't just decoration—they were essential to proper performance! Today we'll learn the fundamental ornaments that transform simple melodies into expressive, authentic performances.
Why Ornament?
In the Baroque era, composers expected performers to add ornaments:
- Expression - Ornaments add emotion and personality
- Emphasis - They highlight important notes
- Sustain - They fill in long notes (recorder can't crescendo on sustained notes)
- Convention - Certain cadences and repeats required specific ornaments
The Grace Note (Acciaccatura)
The grace note is a tiny note written before the main note, usually with a slash through the stem. It "steals" time from the main note and is played very quickly.
Symbol: Small note with slash: (imagine a tiny eighth note with slash)
Each grace note should be played as a quick "flick" into the main note.
(Imagine grace notes: B-C, C-D, D-E, C-D, B-C)
How to play: Play the grace note as quickly as possible, landing solidly on the main note. Think "flip-MAIN".
The Appoggiatura
Unlike the grace note, the appoggiatura is a small note WITHOUT a slash. It takes half the value of the main note and receives emphasis.
The small note takes stress and half the time value.
(If A has an appoggiatura from G, play: G-A taking 1 beat total)
The Trill (Preliminary)
A trill is a rapid alternation between the written note and the note above. We'll study advanced trill technique in Lesson 45, but here's the basics:
Symbol: "tr" or wavy line above the note
Start slowly: alternate between the note and the note directly above.
(On E, trill between E and F repeatedly)
Beginner trill: Just 4-5 alternations. Speed comes with practice!
The Mordent
A mordent is a quick alternation: main note - note below - main note. It adds a subtle decoration.
Symbol: Wavy line like a small "w"
Practice the three-note pattern quickly.
(Mordent on C5: play C-B-C very quickly)
Rhythm: The mordent happens within the time of the written note—don't add extra time!
The Turn
A turn circles around the main note: note above - main note - note below - main note.
Symbol: An "S" shape on its side
The four-note pattern flows smoothly.
(Turn on C5: D-C-B-C, all within the whole note duration)
Applying Ornamentation Musically
Plain version:
Ornamented version (suggested):
(Add grace note G-A, trill on C5, mordent on final G)
Note: Ornaments should enhance, not overwhelm! Less is often more.
Ornamentation Guidelines
- Taste and restraint - Don't ornament every note!
- Cadences - Final notes and important cadences often get trills
- Long notes - Sustained notes benefit from ornamentation
- Repeats - Add ornaments the second time through
- Style-appropriate - Baroque music uses ornaments; modern music rarely does
Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)
- Grace note exercises - 5 minutes
- Mordent and turn practice - 5 minutes
- Simple trill practice - 5 minutes
- Apply ornaments to familiar songs - 10 minutes