Turn
Definition. An ornament consisting of four notes — upper auxiliary, principal, lower auxiliary, principal. Indicated by ∽.
Detailed Explanation
The turn (also called gruppetto in Italian) is a four-note ornament that ‘turns’ around a principal note. The pattern is: upper auxiliary — principal — lower auxiliary — principal. The notation is a horizontal S-shape (∽) above the note.
The turn provides a graceful melodic decoration. It was particularly common in 18th-century music, where it appears constantly in keyboard, vocal, and instrumental writing. Mozart was a master of turn-based ornamentation; his slow movements feature turns in nearly every phrase.
Variations exist. The ‘inverted turn’ reverses the direction: lower auxiliary — principal — upper auxiliary — principal. The turn can be placed before, on, or after the beat depending on stylistic conventions of the period and composer.
Etymology
English, descriptive — the ornament ‘turns’ around the principal note. Italian gruppetto (‘little group’) is the equivalent term.
In Practice
Execute the four notes evenly. Light, graceful, decorative. The turn should ornament the principal note without overshadowing it.
Notable Examples
- Mozart — Various (extensive turn ornamentation)
- Chopin — Nocturnes (elaborate turn figures)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
Was bedeutet Turn in der Musik?
An ornament consisting of four notes — upper auxiliary, principal, lower auxiliary, principal. Indicated by ∽.
Woher kommt das Wort Turn?
English, descriptive — the ornament ‘turns’ around the principal note. Italian gruppetto (‘little group’) is the equivalent term.
Wie wird Turn in der Praxis ausgeführt?
Execute the four notes evenly. Light, graceful, decorative. The turn should ornament the principal note without overshadowing it.
Welche Abkürzungen sind für Turn üblich?
Turn wird üblicherweise als gruppetto abgekürzt.
Welche Musikbegriffe hängen mit Turn zusammen?
Verwandte Begriffe: Gruppetto, Trill, Mordent.
Practice with Songtive's free tools
Hear this term applied — explore chord charts, fingerings and the music engine.
Piano chordsGuitar chordsVirtual piano
