18 Questions
What is articulation in the musical language?
The punctuation of music
What does articulation determine in music?
How a note or phrase should be played
What do dynamics in music signal?
How loudly or quietly a note should be played
In what form are style and tempo markings notations often found?
In the form of expression words like accelerando
How do composers use articulations in music?
To give the music more expression and contrast
Aside from just music notes that indicate pitch, what else can signal how to interpret the notes and chords on a page?
Other markings and notations within the musical language
What is the purpose of articulation symbols in music?
To denote the style of playing the note
Which articulation symbol indicates that a note should be played in a short, bouncy, and detached style?
Staccato
What is the main difference between staccatissimo and staccato articulations?
Staccatissimo is played with even shorter and more detached style than staccato
What does the accent articulation symbol indicate about how a note should be played?
With a strong weighted attack and tapered finish
What is the purpose of a legato marking or slur in music?
To denote a smooth unbroken sound by connecting notes together
Which type of articulation marking is reserved specifically for instruments of the string section?
Bow markings
Which types of articulations specifically affect the length of the note?
Staccato, Staccatissimo, Tenuto
What does an articulation symbol called tie do in music?
Connects two or more notes together to create a newer, longer note value
What is the purpose of an articulation symbol called tenuto?
To play the note long, smooth, and connected to its neighboring notes
What does an articulation symbol called portato indicate about how a note should be played?
Combined pulsation or slight accent on each note with staccato connected under the same slur
What do articulation markings for single notes indicate?
Notation symbols that only apply to one note at a time
What is indicated by an articulation symbol called marcato?
With an even shorter and heavier attack than a regular accent
Study Notes
Articulation in Music
- Articulation determines the way notes are attacked and released, affecting the overall sound and feel of the music.
- It influences the way notes are connected or separated, and the degree of emphasis or accentuation.
Dynamics in Music
- Dynamics signal changes in volume, intensity, and mood in music.
Style and Tempo Markings
- Style and tempo markings are often found in notation as Italian words or phrases, such as Largo, Allegro, or Adagio.
Composers' Use of Articulations
- Composers use articulations to convey specific expressive intentions and nuances in their music.
Interpretation of Notes and Chords
- Aside from pitch, other factors that can signal how to interpret notes and chords on a page include articulation, dynamics, and phrasing.
Purpose of Articulation Symbols
- Articulation symbols indicate the specific way a note should be played, including its attack, duration, and release.
Short, Bouncy, and Detached Articulation
- The staccato articulation symbol indicates that a note should be played in a short, bouncy, and detached style.
Staccatissimo vs. Staccato
- The main difference between staccatissimo and staccato articulations is that staccatissimo is even shorter and more detached.
Accent Articulation
- The accent articulation symbol indicates that a note should be played with a strong emphasis or accent.
Legato Marking or Slur
- The purpose of a legato marking or slur is to indicate that notes should be played smoothly and connected.
String Section Articulation
- The type of articulation marking reserved specifically for instruments of the string section is sul ponticello.
Articulations Affecting Note Length
- Articulations that specifically affect the length of the note include staccato, staccatissimo, and legato.
Tie Articulation Symbol
- The tie articulation symbol connects two or more notes together, indicating that they should be played as a single, uninterrupted sound.
Tenuto Articulation Symbol
- The purpose of the tenuto articulation symbol is to indicate that a note should be held for its full duration, with no subtle shortening or lengthening.
Portato Articulation Symbol
- The portato articulation symbol indicates that a note should be played with a slight separation between notes, but not as short as staccato.
Single Note Articulations
- Articulation markings for single notes indicate the specific way each note should be played.
Marcato Articulation Symbol
- The marcato articulation symbol indicates that a note should be played with a strong, short, and emphasized attack, followed by a brief separation from the next note.
Explore the concept of articulation in music and learn how it functions as a form of punctuation in the musical language. Understand how markings and notations within music determine the interpretation of notes and chords.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
