In music, what is a 'Turn'?

Study for the NCEA Level 2 Music Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready and ace your test!

A 'Turn' is a musical ornament that involves a specific sequence of notes played in a particular order. It consists of four pitches: the note itself, the note above it, the note below it, and then returning back to the original note. This embellishment adds expressiveness and complexity to the music, enhancing the melodic line and providing a decorative flourish.

While some of the other options may connect to general music terminology, they do not specifically describe a 'Turn.' For instance, holding a note long refers to a sustained pitch rather than the swift, decorative nature of a Turn. A repeated motif pertains to a recurring thematic idea and does not involve the specific sequence of pitches typical of a Turn. Lastly, while a Turn is indeed a type of ornament, that characterization is too broad to fully capture the precise nature of what a Turn entails.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy