trill
1 of 2nouna rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, usually a semitone or a whole tone apart
A trill is a musical technique where the performer quickly alternates between two neighboring notes, creating a vibrating or shaking effect. It is indicated by the letters "tr" written above the note, with lines or symbols suggesting how fast to alternate between the notes. Trills add expressiveness and decoration to a musical passage, enhancing the emotional impact of the music.
- The flutist executed a flawless trill, adding ornamentation to the musical passage.
- The pianist's trill added excitement and virtuosity to the concerto's cadenza.
- The trill in the violin solo showcased the performer's technical skill and precision.
- She practiced the trill on the trumpet, focusing on achieving evenness and clarity in the rapid oscillation.
- The trill in the soprano's aria added a flourish of embellishment, enhancing the vocal performance.
(phonetics) a /r/ sound that is produced by a rapid vibration of the tongue against the palate
A trill is a type of consonant sound produced by the rapid vibration of one articulator against another. This can involve the tongue, lips, or other parts of the mouth. In speech, a trill typically creates a distinct and rolling sound. An example of a trill is the "r" sound in some languages, like the Spanish "perro," where the tongue rapidly taps against the alveolar ridge. Trills are important in phonetics because they add variety to speech sounds and can change the meaning of words in languages that use them.