MORDENT Meaning and
Definition
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A mordent, in the realm of music, refers to an ornament or embellishment typically found in Western classical music. It is most commonly performed on a keyboard instrument or plucked string instrument, such as the harpsichord or guitar. The mordent is characterized by a rapid alternating note played above or below a principal note.
The execution of a mordent involves playing the principal note, followed by a quick grace note that is a step above or below the principal note. The grace note is then immediately followed by a return to the principal note. The purpose of the mordent is to add a dynamic and expressive quality to the melody, providing a nuanced and ornamented sound. It can be used to emphasize a particular note, provide a flourish or trill, or simply add interest to the musical line.
Mordents can vary in their notation, depending on the time period and style of the music being played. They can be indicated by specific symbols, such as a short vertical line with a slash above or below it, or they may be written out in full notation. Additionally, the speed and execution of the mordent can differ according to the performer's interpretation, allowing for a unique and personal expression of the music.
Common Misspellings for MORDENT
- nordent
- kordent
- jordent
- mirdent
- mkrdent
- mlrdent
- mprdent
- m0rdent
- m9rdent
- moedent
- moddent
- mofdent
- motdent
- mo5dent
- mo4dent
- morsent
- morxent
- morcent
- morfent
Etymology of MORDENT
The word "mordent" is derived from the Old French term "mordere", meaning "to bite". It can be traced back to the Latin word "mordēre", which carries the same meaning. In music, the term refers to a specific ornamentation technique, where a note is rapidly alternated with the note above or below it.
Similar spelling words for MORDENT
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