Background for staccato

staccato

/stəˈkɑːtoʊ/

Illustration staccato - Image 1

noun

An articulation marking directing that a note or passage of notes are to be played in an abruptly disconnected manner, with each note sounding for a very short duration, and a short break lasting until the sounding of the next note; as opposed to legato. Staccato is indicated by a dot directly above or below the notehead.

Examples :

"The pianist played the melody with a sharp, distinct staccato, making each note sound brief and detached. "

music sound technical

Illustration staccato - Image 1

noun

A passage having this mark.

Examples :

"The sheet music indicated a staccato in the piano melody, so she played the notes short and detached. "

music mark sound

Illustration staccato - Image 1

noun

Any sound resembling a musical staccato.

Examples :

"The old typewriter produced a rapid staccato of clicks and dings as the journalist worked on his story. "

Illustration staccato - Image 1

adjective

Describing a passage having this mark.

Examples :

"The pianist played a staccato melody, with each note short and detached. "

music sound style

Illustration staccato - Image 1

adjective

Made up of abruptly disconnected parts or sounds.

Examples :

"The leaky faucet dripped in a staccato rhythm: drip...drip...drip. "

sound music style

Illustration staccato - Image 1

adverb

Played in this style

Examples :

"Now, play the same passage very staccato."