Trills

[justinjalandoni]

When you play a trill, how will you know if you should play the upper note or lower note first?

[hyrst]

To my knowledge, there are general principles invovled.  The Baroque trill usually started on the higher note and this set a precedent.  Through time it gradually varied as the trill became a feature of interest rather than so much function.  Often through the Classical if starting from the lower note it would be indicated by the composer in small print.  The Romantic often started on the lower note.  The modern is usually indicated.  There are a number of ornaments that are often just indicated as 'trill' in many modern editions.  It is worth, over time, getting to know the style, composer and various ornament types so you can make an intelligent choice for yourself.  You might find you sometimes disagree with the preferences of the editor.  Look at lines in the music as clues.  For example, if you have descending sequences you might find a mordent starting from the top - so it fits surrounding patterns.  The ornament might also be a fill between the notes on either side - so what works to join these notes smoothly and easily?  Also, think about the significant chords and which note is more important to the harmony since the starting note gets a little more sound value.

[Bob]

The way I remember the Baroque trill on upper note is that it was used as a way to draw the ear to it.  Harpsichord can't change volume by dropping harder into the key.  If you start on the same note, no one will notice.  If you start on the upper note, there's a dissonance that will catch the ear.  Once pianos came to be, it wasn't as much of an issue.

At least, that's one idea I've heard about it.