Triquetrus

Triquetrus refers to a musical symbol or ornament. It is a trill, a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, often indicated by a short vertical wavy line or the abbreviation "tr." above the note. The term "triquetrus" is less common than "trill" and is often associated with older musical notation or specific theoretical contexts. The execution of a triquetrus involves playing the main note and the note a step above it in quick succession, repeating this alternation for the duration indicated by the symbol. The tempo and length of the triquetrus can vary depending on the musical style and the composer's intention, and it is typically performed at the speed of the surrounding music. In some instances, a mordent, which is a brief alternation with the note below, can be confused with a triquetrus, but they are distinct ornaments. The purpose of the triquetrus is to add ornamentation, expressiveness, and brilliance to a melodic line.