Which term directs a crisp, detached articulation of notes?

Which term directs a crisp, detached articulation of notes?

• A. Tenuto
• B. Slur
• C. Staccato
• D. Tie

Answer: (C)

Staccato marks crisp, detached articulation. The small dot above or below a note tells you to shorten its duration and separate it clearly from the next note, producing a light, crisp attack. This contrasts with tenuto, which asks you to hold notes for their full value (often with subtle emphasis or a connected feel), with a slur signaling legato phrasing (smoothly connected notes), and with a tie that simply extends duration of the same pitch. When you want that precise, punctuated feel, staccato is the marking to follow.

Staccato marks crisp, detached articulation. The small dot above or below a note tells you to shorten its duration and separate it clearly from the next note, producing a light, crisp attack. This contrasts with tenuto, which asks you to hold notes for their full value (often with subtle emphasis or a connected feel), with a slur signaling legato phrasing (smoothly connected notes), and with a tie that simply extends duration of the same pitch. When you want that precise, punctuated feel, staccato is the marking to follow.