staccato explained

techniquesstah-KAH-tofrom Italian

A short, detached style of playing in which notes are separated by silences‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‍

In Depth

Staccato (from the Italian staccare, to detach) shortens each note to roughly half its written value, filling the remaining time with silence.‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‍ The notation is a dot placed above or below the note. Staccato playing requires precise control of the attack and release on every instrument. Different styles of staccato exist: light finger staccato, wrist staccato, and arm staccato on piano; spiccato, sautillé, and ricochet on strings. The character can range from playful lightness to sharp aggression depending on context.
Did you know?

Mendelssohn's Scherzo from A Midsummer Night's Dream requires a gossamer staccato so light and fast that it imitates the darting of fairies.

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