Strong beats

[stormx]

Hi 

Let suppose you are playing a waltz (3/4). The beats are supposed to follow the strong-weak-weak pattern, so that a slight accent should be put on the first beat of each mesure (as a general guide). Right?

Now, my question:

Let suppose the first beat is composed by more than a single note (two 1/8 notes, for instance). Should you slighty emphasize all the notes belonging to that beat, or just the first one?

Thanks

[cfortunato]

I don't know what's considered proper, but I just do it on the first note.  And old teacher of mine "Don't PLAY stronger - just THINK stronger, and it will sound right."

[quantum]

And old teacher of mine "Don't PLAY stronger - just THINK stronger, and it will sound right."

I agree with this. 

I find that when one needs to accentuate a strong-weak-weak (or other) pattern, it is best done with the bass note.  A solid bass note naturally accentuates a beat pattern plus the foundation of harmony.  Accenting a bass note, may also sound less out of place than an accented melody note which an accent is not indicated.  Therefore the melody is free to be shaped, while bass gives the groundwork for meter.