Which articulation involves playing the note with a quick strike, not sustaining it to blend with the next note?

Which articulation involves playing the note with a quick strike, not sustaining it to blend with the next note?

• A. Legato
• B. Staccato
• C. Tenuto
• D. Accent

Answer: (B)

Staccato focuses on a quick, detached strike that ends the note almost immediately, so it doesn’t blend into the next note. This short, separated articulation is exactly what “playing the note with a quick strike, not sustaining it to blend with the next note” describes. Legato, on the other hand, aims for a smooth, connected line with little or no separation. Tenuto means holding the note for its full value (or slightly longer), giving a sustained feel. Accent adds emphasis to the attack but doesn’t inherently shorten the note. So the description matches staccato best.

Staccato focuses on a quick, detached strike that ends the note almost immediately, so it doesn’t blend into the next note. This short, separated articulation is exactly what “playing the note with a quick strike, not sustaining it to blend with the next note” describes.

Legato, on the other hand, aims for a smooth, connected line with little or no separation. Tenuto means holding the note for its full value (or slightly longer), giving a sustained feel. Accent adds emphasis to the attack but doesn’t inherently shorten the note. So the description matches staccato best.