Mordente

A mordent is a musical ornament that instructs the performer to play a rapid alternation between an indicated note and the note immediately above or below it in the scale. There are two main types:

• Upper Mordent (or simply Mordent): Indicated by a short vertical line with a tilde (~) above the note. The performer plays the written note, the note immediately above it in the scale, and then the written note again. The speed of the alternation depends on the tempo and style of the music, but it is always intended to be rapid. In modern notation, this is sometimes called an "inverted mordent," though that usage can be confusing.

• Lower Mordent (or Inverted Mordent): Indicated by a short vertical line with a tilde (~) and a short diagonal line through it. The performer plays the written note, the note immediately below it in the scale, and then the written note again. This ornament is also often called a "pralltriller" in some contexts, although a pralltriller can sometimes have other meanings.

The exact interpretation of a mordent can vary depending on the period and composer. Some sources suggest the alternation should happen on the beat, while others suggest it should begin before the beat. Careful consideration of the context of the music is necessary for an appropriate performance. The specific number of alternations is generally notated; however, it is understood that the mordent is played as quickly as possible within the given context.