Inverted Mordent
Definition. A mordent that uses the upper auxiliary instead of the lower — principal, upper auxiliary, principal.
Detailed Explanation
The inverted mordent (also called ‘upper mordent’ in some traditions) is a variant of the mordent that uses the upper auxiliary note instead of the lower. The pattern is: principal — upper auxiliary — principal. The notation is a wavy line without the vertical slash that distinguishes the lower (standard) mordent.
The inverted mordent is functionally similar to a brief trill (which alternates principal and upper note) but stops after just one alternation. The ornament gives a quick upward flick to the principal note, decorating it briefly without extending to a full trill.
In modern editions, the terminology is sometimes confusing — different traditions assign different names. The English-American convention typically reserves ‘mordent’ for the lower-auxiliary version and ‘inverted mordent’ for the upper. The German tradition uses ‘Mordent’ for the lower and ‘Pralltriller’ for the upper.
Etymology
‘Inverted’ + mordent. The inversion refers to the direction of the auxiliary note — up instead of down.
In Practice
Three quick notes: principal, upper neighbor, principal. Light and decorative. Don’t over-emphasize; the ornament is a brief flourish, not a structural feature.
Notable Examples
- Bach — Keyboard works (frequent inverted mordents)
- Couperin — Pièces de clavecin (extensive ornamentation)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Inverted Mordent mean in music?
A mordent that uses the upper auxiliary instead of the lower — principal, upper auxiliary, principal.
Where does the word Inverted Mordent come from?
‘Inverted’ + mordent. The inversion refers to the direction of the auxiliary note — up instead of down.
How is Inverted Mordent performed in practice?
Three quick notes: principal, upper neighbor, principal. Light and decorative. Don’t over-emphasize; the ornament is a brief flourish, not a structural feature.
What are common abbreviations for Inverted Mordent?
Inverted Mordent is commonly abbreviated as upper mordent.
What musical terms are related to Inverted Mordent?
Related terms include: Mordent, Trill, Turn.
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