How to execute ornamentations in music?

Useful tips for approaching ornamentations and embellishments in music

In this video, Robert tackles the difficult interpretations of ornaments and embellishments often found in baroque music. With a clear and easy explanation, Robert shows you how to play some of these "mysterious" ornaments by performing a tender Sarabande taken from the French Suite No. 5 by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Released on July 3, 2013

DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.

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Comments, Questions, Requests:

Zuhair Bakdoud on August 28, 2013 @9:19 am PST

Robert,
I greatly appreciate your response on my Chopin-ornamention question. In several books and articles, I have read that Chopin's ornamentation is actually PART of the melody, and I agree totally on that issue. I keep learning - daily - from your superlative videos on piano technique and piano playing in general. PLEASE, continue this phenomenal kindness to piano lovers. Zu.

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Robert Estrin * VSM MEMBER * on August 28, 2013 @11:33 am PST

You have touched on one of the most important aspects of ornamentation: All ornamentation is part of the melody! This isn't true just for Chopin. When you execute a trill in Mozart for example, it should be played just like written out notes. If you think of all of your ornamentation as part of the melody, you will be on the right track.

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Zuhair Bakdoud on August 24, 2013 @1:06 am PST

Could you comment on the ornamentation in chopin's music? Thank you in advance.

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Robert - host, on August 26, 2013 @11:25 am PST

Ornamentation in Chopin should be played within the musical context. While there are many ways of negotiating specific ornamentation, makes sure the execution is not hurried. Sometimes starting trills or mordants before the beat gives you more time to play the notes so the playing is clear and relaxed.

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wayne russell * VSM MEMBER * on August 12, 2013 @2:43 pm PST

Robert,

I just discovered your videos and am excited about learning them all! You have a great style of teaching!

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