J.S. Bach’s Ornament Table (Quick Reference)

CLICK HERE for the full version with more details and examples

This table is given in the preface to the Klavierbüchlein für Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, a collection of pieces started in 1720 for Bach’s eldest son. It is the only written guide J.S. Bach gives regarding ornaments.

Trill (1)

Mordent (2)

Trill with termination (3)

Turn (4)

Trill + Prefix from below (5)
Trill + Prefix from above (6)

from below example (5):

from above example (6):

Trill + Prefix from below + Termination (7)
Trill + Prefix from above + Termination (8)

from below example (7):

from above example (8):

Appoggiatura ascending (9)
Appoggiatura descending (10)

Modern notation:

ascending example (9):

descending example (10):

Appoggiatura + Mordent (11)

Modern notation:

Appoggiatura + Trill (12 and 13)
Bach shows two different ways to notate this ornament, both are played the same way

Modern notation: