Marcato

Emphasized, accentuated

"Marcato" is a musical term that translates to "marked" or "accented" in literal terms.

Marcato indicates to the performer that they should play specific notes with a distinct accent. Typically, musicians emphasize the marked marcato notes by increasing their volume slightly and slightly lengthening the duration of these notes to make them stand out prominently within the musical context.

In sheet music, the marcato marking is often represented by an open horizontal wedge symbol (^) placed above or below the note, indicating that the performer should play that note with a marked accent.

Interpreting marcato requires finding a balance between precision and musicality. Performers should strive to execute marcato in a way that enhances the overall expression of the music without disrupting its flow, contributing to the interpretation and emotional impact.

Example of Marcato

Prokofiev Symphony No.5 in B flat Op.100 II.Allegro marcato

Tutor's Video (Kent Chan)

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Frankie Chan

California Baptist University (US), Hong Kong Baptist University

Master

Violin, Western Music Theory

Jeffrey Wong

Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris (FR), The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Bachelor

Flute

Johnny Lau

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Bachelor (Current)

Trumpet

Jan Au

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (UK), The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Master

Cello

Yanny Cheung

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Master

Trombone

Omarr Cheng

Hong Kong Baptist University

Bachelor (Current)

Classical Vocal, Pop Singing, Musical, Western Music Theory

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