Trill

As Printed on a Score

Printed as “tr” or “tr.” over the note, often followed by a wavy line showing how long the trill lasts; an accidental above it alters the upper note, and small notes after it give the termination. In orchestral scores “Tr.” can also abbreviate trumpet (Tromba, Trompete), but a staff label and a sign over a note are read differently.

Abbreviations: tr, tr.

How Composers Use It

Trills add brilliance, excitement and ornament. Through the eighteenth century a trill normally began on the upper note, leaning on it like an appoggiatura; from the early nineteenth century the main-note start became standard, so if you want the upper-note start, show the upper note as a small grace note. Long trills on the dominant build tension before cadences. Write the termination (Nachschlag) in small notes if you want one.

Example

Beethoven's Piano Sonata "Waldstein," finale — the extended trills in the coda create a shimmering, almost supernatural atmosphere.

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