Tremolo
Rapid repetition of one note, or rapid alternation of two
Related
Tremolo has two common forms: rapid repetition of one note (string bow tremolo, timpani roll) or rapid alternation of two notes (strings, keyboard). It is marked with slashes or waves, the number of slashes indicating speed.
It differs from vibrato: vibrato fluctuates pitch, tremolo repeats or alternates notes. Tremolo is not "a faster vibrato": it creates tension, shimmer or rumble rather than adding warmth. On strings the bowed tremolo is a staple of anxiety and drama.
Read deeper → vibrato
Sources
- tremolo 的两种形态与记谱，参 The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, "Tremolo"；本文为原创表述
Used for fact-checking only; all prose is original.