A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Trochee

TROCHEE (Lat. Trochæus Chorius). A metrical foot, consisting of a long syllable followed by a short one—the exact opposite of the Iambus:—

'Trochee trips from long to short.'

Trochaic Metres are very common, both in Hymnody and Lyric Poetry; and, in both, a pleasing variety is sometimes produced by the occasional substitution of a Trochee for a Spondee, an Iambus, or even a Pyrrhic foot. A charming instance of the employment of Trochaic Rhythm, both in Music and Poetry, will be found in the Melody and Verses of Dowland's air, 'Now, oh, now, I needs must part,' the rhythmic Ictus of the Poetry being, of course, dependent upon Accent, and not upon Quantity.

[ W. S. R. ]