- Phrasing
The first way to add expression is through slight variations in the length of note played. As
mentioned previously (in Chapter 3 on Duration), the note symbol gives us its length.
However, there are some additional symbols which are found which can encourage the
performer to alter the duration of the note.
Staccato (literally meaning “short, detached”)
A dot above or below the note.This means that the note should not be held for itʼs com-
plete duration - it should be shortened slightly to detach it from its neighbour. So, in the fol-
lowing example with a staccato on the 1st crotchet....
the performer would actually play.......
....where they shorten the crotchet to roughly the length of a quaver.
Legato (literally meaning “smooth, together”)
Legato is the opposite of staccato. A legato phrase is one that should be played smoothly
with no gap between the notes played. A legato phrase is indicated by a curved line (called
a phrase mark) over the top of the music. So, the following line of music should be played
as smoothly as possible....