Why is there so much dispute about how ornaments are supposed to be played in classical music?

1. Why is ornamentation used in music?
2. What does ornament mean in music?
3. What is ornamentation in Baroque music?

Why is ornamentation used in music?

In music, ornaments or embellishments are musical flourishes—typically, added notes—that are not essential to carry the overall line of the melody (or harmony), but serve instead to decorate or "ornament" that line (or harmony), provide added interest and variety, and give the performer the opportunity to add ...

What does ornament mean in music?

ornamentation, in music, the embellishment of a melody, either by adding notes or by modifying rhythms.

What is ornamentation in Baroque music?

Ornamentation was extremely significant in Baroque music. ... In the Baroque period, composers expected musicians to add ornamentation, including trills, mordents, turns, appoggiaturas, grace notes, passing tones, etc. Use of vibrato was also considered an ornament.