playing staccato

[namui]

I have found a score such that there are two
different notations that I don't know how to play it
properly different.  :-/
 
 1) a 1/2 beat (quaver) staccato note followed by a
1/2 beat rest.
 2) a 1 beat (crotchet) staccato note

 Both of them cover a duration of 1 beat, both is
meant to play staccato. So what is the proper way to
play them ?

Thanks,

[robert_henry]

The textbook definition is that a staccato indication means to play the note for half the written value.  Ultimately however, this has to translate into sound.

It depends on the tempo of the piece, but I would simply think of the longer staccato note having a fuzzy end to it, maybe like a dull pencil or a marker, and the shorter being like a sharp needle.  Or, for the short one, maybe a string pizzicato compared to a short, fast bow for the longer value.  Use your imagination.

Those marking are just guides.  What type of sound will you make?  What type of sounds do those markings imply, and how do they compare to other markings in the score, what period of music is this, who is the composer, etc.?  What about other editions?

Robert Henry

[namui]

Hi again,

  Thanks for the suggestion. It really helps.

  In fact, my daughter (7 years old) is preparing for a competition (8 years old and younger) and she has to play Burgmuller Op.100 No.14 (Waltz). Unfortunately, her teacher has been seriously ill for the past two weeks and so she brought the score to me asking that question.

Thanks again, any other suggestion is also welcome.