Comprehensive Guide to Musical Ornaments: Notation and Execution

Apoyatura Larga (Long Appoggiatura)

The apoyatura larga is a musical ornament characterized by a small grace note that precedes a principal note and takes a substantial portion of that principal note's time value. In the context of musical notation, it is written as a small note (usually a quaver or crotchet) placed before the main note. Unlike the short version, it does not have a slash through its stem.

The ejecución (execution) of the apoyatura larga is strictly defined by the rhythm of the principal note. If the principal note can be divided into two equal parts (such as a half note or a quarter note), the appoggiatura generally takes half of the value. For example, in a sequence where a quarter note follows an appoggiatura, both notes would be played as two eighth notes. If the principal note is dotted (and thus divisible by three), the appoggiatura typically takes two-thirds of the value, leaving the final third for the principal note. The primary purpose of this ornament is to create melodic tension through dissonance, which then resolves into the principal note.

Apoyatura Breve (Short Appoggiatura / Acciaccatura)

The apoyatura breve, commonly referred to as an acciaccatura, is an ornament intended to be played as rapidly as possible. In notation, it is distinguished by a small note with a diagonal slash through its stem and flag. This slash indicates that the note is to be "crushed" or played with extreme brevity.

Regarding its ejecución, the apoyatura breve is performed so quickly that it serves more as a rhythmic accent or a "percussive" melodic grace than a distinct rhythmic value. Historically, there are two primary ways to execute it: either on the beat (taking a tiny fraction of time from the principal note) or before the beat (taking time from the preceding note). In most modern interpretations, the emphasis is on making the ornament as short as possible before transitioning immediately into the principal note, which retains almost all of its original duration.

Mordente Superior (Upper Mordent)

The mordente superior is a melodic decoration that involves a single, rapid alternation between the principal note and the note immediately above it in the diatonic scale. The notation for an upper mordent is a short, wavy horizontal line or zigzag ($\sim$) placed directly above the note.

The ejecución consists of three distinct pitches played in very quick succession: the principal note, the auxiliary note (one step above), and a return to the principal note. This entire sequence is performed rapidly at the beginning of the note's duration. It adds a brief "shiver" or sharp melodic definition to the start of the tone, after which the remainder of the note value is sustained as written.

Mordente Inferior (Lower Mordent)

The mordente inferior is the downward counterpart to the upper mordent. In notation, it is represented by the same wavy line ($\sim$) but with a vertical line struck through the center to indicate the lower direction.

During ejecución, the performer plays the principal note, moves rapidly to the auxiliary note one step below, and then returns immediately to the principal note. Like its superior counterpart, the lower mordent is executed with great speed at the attack of the note. The specific interval (whole step or half step) is determined by the key signature unless an accidental is placed above or below the mordent symbol.

Grupeto Superior (Upper Turn)

The grupeto superior, or upper turn, is a melodic figure of four notes that "turns" around the principal note. The notation is an S-shaped symbol ($\sim$) placed either directly over a note or between two notes.

The ejecución of an upper turn follows the pattern: the note above the principal note, the principal note itself, the note below the principal note, and finally the principal note again. If the symbol is placed directly over the note, the turn begins immediately on the beat. If the symbol is placed to the right of the note, the principal note is sounded first, and the turn is executed at the end of the duration to lead into the next note.

Grupeto Inferior (Lower Turn)

The grupeto inferior is the inversion of the upper turn. In notation, this is signified by either an inverted S-symbol or a standard S-symbol with a vertical line through it.

The ejecución of the lower turn reverses the melodic direction: it begins with the note below the principal note, followed by the principal note, then the note above the principal note, and concludes on the principal note. This ornament provides a circular melodic motion that dips below the main pitch before rising above it and returning home.

Trino (Trill)

The trino, or trill, is a sustained musical ornament consisting of a rapid and repeated alternation between the principal note and the note one scale degree above it. The notation for a trill is usually the abbreviation "$tr$" or a long, wavy line extending across the duration of the note value.

The ejecución of the trill depends heavily on the musical era. In Baroque music, the trill traditionally begins on the upper auxiliary note. In the Classical and Romantic periods, it usually starts on the principal note. The alternation happens as quickly and evenly as possible for the entire duration of the written note. Often, a trill finishes with a "tumbada" or termination, which consists of the note below the principal note and the principal note itself, effectively ending the trill with a grupeto-like flourish.