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Examples of articulations. From left to right: staccato, staccatissimo, martellato, marcato, tenuto.

Articulations from legato to staccatissimo

In music, articulation refers to the direction or performance technique which affects the transition or continuity on single note or between multiple notes or sounds.

There are many different kinds of articulation, each having a different effect on how the note is played. Some articulation marks include the slur, phrase mark, staccato, staccatissimo, accent, sforzando, rinforzando, and legato. Each articulation is represented by a different symbol placed above or below the note (depending on its position on the staff).

Woodwind and brass instruments generally articulate by tonguing, the use of the tongue to break the airflow into the instrument. Stringed instruments use different bowing techniques to achieve different articulations.

When staccato marks are combined with a slur, the result is portato, also known as articulated legato. Tenuto markings under a slur are called (for bowed strings) hook bows. This name is also less commonly applied to staccato or martellato (martelé) markings.

Audio examples

Bassoon articulations

A bassoon played staccato, legato, legato + vibrato, and slurred.

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

Bibliography

• Cooper, Helen (1985). Basic Guide to How to Read Music. ISBN 0-399-51122-9.

v • d • e Musical notation and Development Staff Bar & Bar line · Clef · Coda · Da Capo · Dal Segno · Key signature · Ledger line · Musical mode · Musical scale · Rehearsal letter · Repeat sign · Time signature · Transposition · Transposing instrument Notes Accidental (Flat · Natural · Sharp) · Dotted note · Grace note · Note value (Beam · Note head · Stem) · Pitch · Rest · Letter notation Articulation Dynamics · Ornament · Ossia · Portato · Accent · Legato · Tenuto · Marcato · Staccato · Staccatissimo · Tie · Slur Development Exposition · Harmony · Melody · Motif · Recapitulation · Rhythm (Beat · Meter · Tempo) · Theme · Tonality · Atonality Related Chord chart · Figured bass · Graphic notation · Lead sheet · Eye music · Modern musical symbols · Neume · Tablature

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