Articulation Symbols

Why This Matters

Articulation symbols are the secret language that transforms notes on a page into expressive music. When you're being tested on musicianship fundamentals, you're not just expected to identify these symbols—you need to understand how they shape sound, why composers choose specific articulations, and how different articulations create contrast and emotion within a piece. These markings are where interpretation begins, and they're essential for both performance and score analysis.

Think of articulation as a spectrum from completely connected to extremely detached, with various shades in between. Don't just memorize what each symbol looks like—know where it falls on that spectrum and what expressive purpose it serves. When you encounter an articulation marking, ask yourself: Is this about duration, emphasis, or connection? That framework will help you analyze unfamiliar passages and answer questions that test your understanding of musical expression.

---

Duration and Detachment Markings

These symbols control how long a note actually sounds relative to its written value. The key principle: the written note value shows when the next note begins, but articulation determines how much of that time is filled with sound.

Staccato

• Notated with a dot above or below the note head—indicates the note should be played short and detached, typically about half its written value
• Creates a light, bouncy character that works well in dance music, playful passages, and rhythmically driven sections
• Contrasts with legato to create textural variety within phrases and between sections

Staccatissimo

• Notated with a small wedge (▾) above or below the note—even shorter and more detached than staccato
• Produces an extremely crisp, sharp sound that maximizes rhythmic clarity and precision
• Often used for dramatic effect in fast passages or to create a pointed, aggressive character

Tenuto

• Notated with a horizontal line (–) above or below the note—indicates the note should be held for its complete written value
• Encourages sustained, expressive sound without rushing to the next note
• Signals interpretive weight and is often used to highlight melodically important notes within a phrase

---

Connection and Phrasing Markings

These symbols group notes together and indicate smooth, connected playing. The underlying principle: they show which notes belong to the same musical thought and should flow without interruption.

Legato

• Indicates notes should be played smoothly and connected—often notated with a curved line (slur) connecting the notes
• Enhances lyrical, singing quality in melodic passages and slower tempos
• Requires careful technique to eliminate gaps between notes while maintaining clarity

Slur

• Notated with a curved line connecting two or more different pitches—indicates smooth playing without separation
• Defines musical phrases much like punctuation defines sentences in language
• For wind and string players, often indicates notes played in one breath or bow stroke

Tie

• Connects two notes of the same pitch—they are played as one sustained note combining both durations
• Extends note values across bar lines or creates rhythms not possible with single note values
• Visually similar to a slur but functionally different—ties combine duration, slurs indicate connection between different pitches

---

Emphasis and Accent Markings

These symbols tell performers which notes should stand out from their surroundings. The principle here is relative dynamics: an accented note is louder or more forceful than the notes around it, regardless of the overall dynamic level.

Accent

• Notated with a horizontal wedge (>) above or below the note—indicates emphasis or stress
• Adds dynamic contrast by making individual notes stand out within a phrase
• Does not specify exact loudness—an accent in a piano passage is still relatively soft, just stronger than surrounding notes

Marcato

• Notated with a vertical wedge or caret (^) above or below the note—stronger than a regular accent with slight detachment
• Creates bold, pronounced attacks that command attention
• Combines emphasis with separation—think of it as an accent plus a hint of staccato character

---

Hybrid and Special Articulations

Some articulations combine characteristics or serve unique expressive purposes. These markings give performers nuanced instructions that fall between the basic categories.

Portato

• Combines elements of staccato and legato—notes are slightly separated but still smooth and connected in character
• Notated with staccato dots under a slur—the slur indicates grouping while dots indicate gentle separation
• Creates a "leaning" quality that's neither fully detached nor completely smooth—ideal for expressive, singing passages

Fermata

• Notated with a dot beneath a curved line (𝄐)—indicates a note or rest should be held beyond its normal duration
• Duration is at the performer's discretion—typically 1.5 to 2 times the written value, but context matters
• Creates dramatic pause and emphasis—often used at phrase endings, cadences, or moments of heightened expression

---

Quick Reference Table

---

Self-Check Questions

1. Which two articulation symbols both use curved lines but serve completely different functions? How do you tell them apart?

2. Arrange these articulations from shortest to longest duration: tenuto, staccato, staccatissimo, fermata.

3. A passage is marked with staccato dots underneath a slur. What articulation style does this indicate, and how should it sound?

4. Compare and contrast accent and marcato—what do they share, and what makes marcato more intense?

5. If you saw a note marked with both a tenuto line and an accent, what would this combination tell you about how to play it? (Hint: think about duration AND emphasis.)