6-1-3 Articulation Explained

Key Concepts

Articulation in music refers to the way individual notes are played, particularly how they are connected or separated. Key concepts include:

• Legato: Smooth and connected notes.
• Staccato: Short, detached notes.
• Tenuto: Sustained notes with emphasis.
• Accent: Emphasized notes.
• Marcato: Strongly accented notes.

Legato

Legato is a technique where notes are played smoothly and connected, creating a flowing and continuous sound. This is often indicated by a curved line connecting the notes or the word "legato" written above the staff.

Example: In a violin piece, playing legato would involve drawing the bow smoothly across the strings without any gaps between notes, creating a seamless melody.

Staccato

Staccato involves playing notes short and detached, with spaces between them. This creates a crisp and percussive sound. Staccato is often indicated by a dot above or below the note.

Example: In a piano piece, playing staccato would involve quickly releasing the keys after each note, creating a distinct separation between each sound.

Tenuto

Tenuto means to play a note with full duration and emphasis. This technique ensures that the note is sustained and given importance. Tenuto is often indicated by a horizontal line above or below the note.

Example: In a vocal piece, singing a note with tenuto would involve sustaining the note for its full length and emphasizing its importance in the melody.

Accent

Accent involves emphasizing a particular note, making it stand out from the others. This can be done by playing the note louder or with more intensity. Accents are often indicated by a vertical wedge or the word "accent" written above the note.

Example: In a drum solo, accenting a particular beat would involve hitting the drum harder or with more force to make that beat more prominent.

Marcato

Marcato is a technique where notes are played strongly and distinctly, often with a slight separation between them. This creates a bold and pronounced sound. Marcato is often indicated by a small vertical line above or below the note.

Example: In a brass ensemble, playing a note with marcato would involve blowing harder and tonguing the note more sharply, creating a powerful and clear sound.

Analogies

Think of legato as a flowing river, where the water moves smoothly and continuously. Staccato is like drops of water falling from a tap, each drop distinct and separate. Tenuto is like holding a long note in speech, sustaining the sound and giving it importance.

Accent is like emphasizing a word in a sentence, making it stand out. Marcato is like a strong, clear voice in a crowd, cutting through the noise and making a bold statement.

By understanding these articulation techniques, you can enhance the expressiveness and clarity of your musical performances.