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
음악에서 Turn의 뜻은 무엇인가요?
An ornament consisting of four notes — upper auxiliary, principal, lower auxiliary, principal. Indicated by ∽.
Turn의 어원은 무엇인가요?
English, descriptive — the ornament ‘turns’ around the principal note. Italian gruppetto (‘little group’) is the equivalent term.
Turn의 실제 연주 방법은 무엇인가요?
Execute the four notes evenly. Light, graceful, decorative. The turn should ornament the principal note without overshadowing it.
Turn의 흔한 줄임말은 무엇인가요?
Turn의 흔한 줄임말은 gruppetto입니다.
Turn에 관련된 음악 용어는 무엇인가요?
관련 용어: 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
