Piano Forum

Topic: Articulations  (Read 1776 times)

Offline nadapez

  • PS Silver Member
  • Newbie
  • ***
  • Posts: 6
Articulations
on: August 23, 2022, 11:52:13 PM
Hello, I am confused about the different articulations used in piano music. I made this image with the abstract of the articulations I have seen, with the names I suppose is given. Please correct me if I am wrong.



I only understand well the legato and stacatto.

I have an idea of what tenuto is, but I am not sure.

I want to understand the difference among tenuto, portato and tenuto-stacatto.

The last three articulations I have seen them in Pavana... by Ravel.

Last but not least I want to know what kind of articulation is supposed to be used when there is no indication.


Thank you a lot.

Offline andrewuk

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 68
Re: Articulations
Reply #1 on: August 24, 2022, 01:33:34 PM
Small point: it's staccato, not stacatto.

Offline lelle

  • PS Gold Member
  • Sr. Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2528
Re: Articulations
Reply #2 on: August 25, 2022, 07:41:55 PM
Staccatissimo = shorter and sharper staccato than normal staccato. Almost like an accent in some cases.

With tenuto, tenuto staccato and portato it can vary a bit with the context. With Tenuto marks only I'd think of them as slight accents in a legato, so that the notes sound slightly separated/distinct from each other, not just bound into one gesture. Think of it maybe as three down bows instead of playing three notes in one bow on a violin, but still connected.

Tenuto staccato I'd read as the same but with shorter notes, but not too short.

Portato with the slur is also shorter notes but not staccato. There is more of a feeling of one line even if the notes are separated, but the notes are not made distinct like when you think in accents.

Don't know if that helps.

Offline ignomike

  • PS Silver Member
  • Newbie
  • ***
  • Posts: 22
Re: Articulations
Reply #3 on: August 26, 2022, 08:39:55 PM
I could be wrong here but isn't the tenuto marking more often intended as a marcato (half-accent), especially in more modern piano music? My understanding is that the tenuto is more at home on string instruments but the composer and context are relevant to the distinction. I would always consider the tenuto + dot sign as a semi-tenuto like you described.

Offline anacrusis

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 821
Re: Articulations
Reply #4 on: August 27, 2022, 10:35:23 PM
^That's my understanding of it.
For more information about this topic, click search below!

Piano Street Magazine:
A Free Grand Piano? – Scammers Target Piano Enthusiasts

If you’re in the market for a piano, be cautious of a new scam that’s targeting music lovers, businesses, schools, and churches. Scammers are offering “free” pianos but with hidden fees that can add up to hundreds of dollars and, as you may have guessed, the piano will never be delivered. Read more
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert