Musical Theory Grade 4!!!

[potty64]

Any Grade four musical theory 'buffs' out there?! I was always taught that a mordent consists of the principal note, followed, RAPIDLY, by the note above and then return to the principal note ie: a mordent over a crotchet would be played as two semiquavers followed by a quaver if the tempo is allegro.So why does ABRSM in their Grade four theory book (page 41) have the mordent played as a triplet? I'm waiting for an answer from ABRSM but no reply just yet and I'm getting impatient! Even William Lovelock doesn't mention a triplet in such an instance as this. (???)

[The Builder]

I'm only guessing here Potty, but isn't it just a matter of the value given to each note? Two semiquavers followed by a quaver.......... different time values for the semiq and the quaver. If the composer indicates a triplet mordent, then I imagine he intends that each component is given equal value .......... as in any triplet.
Just poking my nose in here ........... I've only studied this in Jazz theory, not Classical :o(

[potty64]

Just lost all I wrote!!! Anyway Builder, here I go again! I agree the first two notes are faster such as, if the tempo was Andante, you would have two demisemiquavers followed by a dotted quaver but I've never heard of a triplet mordent. Can't see the need as if you wanted the notes of equal value you would put a triplet there without the mordent. (?) I'll get in touch with ABRSM Monday & see what BRILLIANT thoughts they have on it being as it's there book! Changing the subject a bit, I thought Jazz Theory was the same as Classical theory. More or less except the swing feel perhaps.No? Keeps the brain cells active doesn't it?! Thx.

[The Builder]

........... ah ....... good point Potts .......... maybe it's just quicker to write a mordent then writing out the whole triplet ? ............. I really don't know, but I agree, it's inconsistent. Not what you want when you're trying to learn :o(
Incidentally, in Bebop Jazz (from the 40s and 50s), they commonly notated triplet mordents. Gawd knows why, but then, I can't stand Bebop anyway lol
Yes, you must be right about the Jazz/Classical thing. Theory is theory after all. Swing feel as opposed to "even" is a big part of Jazz playing. Taking little (and not so little) liberties with the note timings is an essential part of Jazz as well.
Certainly good for the brain, as you say :o)))
Good luck with Grade 4.

[potty64]

OK Builder. I'll let you know what ABRSM says on Monday. Can't wait. (?!)

[potty64]

Hi Builder! I finally received an answer from AB albeit inadequate. 'They' say a triplet over a mordent is not uncommon so I've requested they tell where I can find one, such as in BacH's Preludes & Fugues perhaps?! (Of which I cannot find ANY!) So they're going to look for this UNCOMMON triplet mordent!The ball is in their court tho' I have asked other teachers and they're all in disagreement to AB! I'm actually teaching Grade 4 having attained it myself years ago but have never come upon this before! Can you find one??!!