Composers employ special markings that serve as performance “indicators,”
denoting how notes are to be performed. Those commonly used are listed below.

1.

Staccato

: originally interpreted as “half the written value,” it has come

to mean “detached” (not necessarily “short”).

Figure 1.45

Staccato Examples

2.

Legato

: properly

Tenuto

(“held”), meaning held to full value and

implying connection to the following note value.

Figure 1.46

Legato Examples

3.

Marcato

: (“marked”), accented.

Figure 1.47

Marcato Examples

4.

Marcatisimo

: heavily accented.

Figure 1.48

Marcatissimo Examples

5.

Martelé

: in writing for strings, this marking is used to denote a very

heavy accent, heavy bow pressure being achieved by the use of
“downbow.”

Figure 1.49

Martelé Examples

Chapter 1 The Elements of Rhythm: Sound, Symbol, and Time

1.4 Additional Information

45