THE GRUPPETTO OR TURN

The gruppetto (indicated by the sign cv) derived its name from the fact that it twines about its principal note. The usual form consists of four notes: first the tone above the principal one; second, the principal note; third, the tone below it, and fourth, the principal tone again. In the inverted turn, the order is reversed, the tone below the main one being performed first.

When the sign (ce) appears over a note of small value in fast tempo the turn is comprised of four tones of equal length; when it occurs over a note of greater value in slow tempo the first tones are usually sung quickly and the fourth is held until the time value of the note has expired. If the turn sign is placed to the right of the note, it is held almost to the full time-value, then the turn is sung just before the next tone of the melody. A chromatic sign over or under the turn signifies that the highest or lowest note of the turn is to be altered accordingly.