- Master rapid, even trills on all notes
- Learn trill terminations and preparation notes
- Understand Baroque trill conventions
- Develop finger independence for trills
Introduction
The trill is the most important ornament in Baroque music. A good trill can elevate your playing from competent to compelling. This lesson covers everything you need for professional-quality trills.
What is a Trill?
A trill is a rapid alternation between the written note (principal note) and the note directly above it (auxiliary note). The symbol is "tr" or a wavy line above the note.
Example: A trill on C alternates C-D-C-D-C-D... as fast as possible
Baroque Trill Conventions
Start on the Upper Note
In Baroque music, trills almost always start on the note ABOVE the written note:
- Written: C with trill sign
- Play: D-C-D-C-D-C-D-C...
Exception: Some late Baroque and Classical music starts on the principal note. Context matters!
Trill Termination
Most Baroque trills end with a two-note "turn" back to the principal note:
- Full trill with termination on C: D-C-D-C-D-C-D-C-B-C
- The final B-C provides a graceful ending
Building Trill Speed
Stage 1: Slow Trill (Learning)
Play each note evenly and clearly. Think of it as a fast mordent pattern.
Tempo: Start at ♩= 60. Each note is an eighth note value.
Goal: Absolute evenness. Every note the same length and volume.
Stage 2: Medium Trill
Double the speed—now alternating in sixteenth notes.
Tempo: ♩= 80-100
This is approaching performance trill speed for slower movements!
Stage 3: Rapid Trill
The goal trill speed is beyond strict rhythmic notation—as fast as your fingers can move evenly. But this must be built gradually over weeks of practice.
Finger Patterns for Common Trills
One of the easiest trills—just the third finger moves.
(Trill: A-G-A-G-A-G-A-G...)
Technique: Keep thumb and fingers 1-2 firmly planted. Only finger 3 lifts and lowers rapidly.
The most common trill in recorder music!
(Trill: D-C-D-C-D-C...)
Fingers: With thumb half-hole and 0-1 covered, finger 2 alternates up and down
Challenging Trills
Cross-Fingered Trills
Some trills require unusual fingering combinations:
- F#-G trill: Difficult due to cross-fingering on F#
- C#-D trill: Requires pinch and finger coordination
Practice strategy: Spend extra time on difficult trills. Start glacially slow!
Trill Terminations
Adding the two-note ending turn (the "Nachschlag"):
Full execution: D-C-D-C-D-C-D-C-B-C
The final B-C happens very quickly at the end of the trill, on the last beat.
Musical Application
Trills are essential at cadences (phrase endings):
(Add trill on the C whole note)
This is THE standard Baroque cadence formula. The trill on the penultimate note (C) is almost mandatory.
Trill Duration
How long should a trill last?
- Short notes (eighth, quarter): 4-6 alternations
- Medium notes (half): 6-10 alternations
- Long notes (whole, tied): As many as possible, continuing until the note ends
- Final cadences: Long, brilliant trill with clear termination
Common Trill Mistakes
- ❌ Starting on the principal note - Remember: start ABOVE in Baroque music!
- ❌ Uneven alternation - Every note must be equal length
- ❌ Too slow - A trill should shimmer, not plod
- ❌ Rushing - Speed with sloppiness is worse than slow with clarity
- ❌ Forgetting termination - Most trills need the ending turn
- ❌ Tense fingers - Tension kills speed. Stay relaxed!
Daily Trill Practice Routine
- Finger isolation - Practice each trill combination slowly: 5 minutes
- Measured trills - Rhythmic alternation with metronome: 5 minutes
- Speed building - Gradually increase tempo: 5 minutes
- Musical application - Add trills to repertoire: 5 minutes
Advanced Trill Topics (Preview)
As you advance, you'll explore:
- Preparation notes (prefix) - Starting from below
- Finger vibrato (Flattement) - Covered in Lesson 54
- Half-hole trills - For notes in the third octave
- National styles - French vs Italian vs German trill conventions