Ornamentation: A Question & Answer Manual

by Valery Lloyd-Watts, Carole Bigler

This guide to understanding ornamentation in each era of music includes information on how to understand and remain faithful to the composer's intention, how many and which notes to use in each ornament, how to integrate ornaments smoothly into a performance, and simple strategies and systems for realizing and practicing ornaments. A synthesis of years of scholarly research resulting in a logical, easy to follow, and accurate volume.

Genres: Music

64 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives valuable information about how to interpret ornamentation markings such as trills, turns, and mordents in music. Each era of music had their own style of ornamentation with slight differences, so it can sometimes be difficult to determine exactly how the composer intended their ornaments to be played. This book clears away all that confusion, and gives precise instructions about how to play ornaments in music from all the eras.

I loved that this book is divided into sections for Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern music with detailed explanations of the ornamentation styles of each era. They aren't extremely different. There are just small changes throughout history that are interesting to learn about!

Each ornament is analyzed in detail with several clear music examples to illustrate how they should be played.

I thought it was really interesting to read about how the styles of art and architecture in each era also influenced the styles of music. You can definitely see those things reflected in the use of ornamentation and also how they are notated.

This book is such a huge help for musicians!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by a teacher who taught piano at the collegiate level for many years and has her doctorate, and it is invaluable. Not only does it differentiate ornamentation of the different eras, but it also breaks down into the various composers of the eras. An absolutely excellent resource for the intermediate and advanced teacher.

[Keith Wheeles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed look at ornaments by period. Not a set of practice routines.

[Akaylah Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read with helpful, practical examples. Highly recommend for pianist/music teacher to have as a reference.

[Megan]

Good info on ornamentation. Glad to know things like, in the Baroque, musicians began trills on the upper note. I feel much more solid in my knowledge of what to do with trills, mordents, appogiaturas, etc.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to playing ornamentation in different periods of European music. It includes brief discussions of art concurrent to the time period to give the reader some context for the ornaments. A good jumping-off point for further study.

[KittyGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book answers all my questions on Ornamentation!
Thumbs Up!