Staccato and articulation
· First gestures · Level 2 · 12 min
Staccato ("detached") is shown by a dot above or below the note. The note is shortened: it lasts about half its value, followed by silence. Played well, staccato brings lightness, humour and bounce. Played badly, it becomes dry and brutal.
Three ways to play staccato
| Type | Gesture | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Finger | The fingertip "scratches" the key towards you, as if picking up a crumb | Fast, light notes |
| Wrist | The hand bounces from the wrist, like bouncing a ball | Moderate tempos, light chords, octaves |
| Arm | The whole forearm lifts after the note, like a hand touching a hot iron | Loud chords, powerful isolated notes |
In all three cases the secret is the same: the bounce comes from the key. You go down, the key throws you back, and you let yourself rise. There is no need to "pull" the hand upwards.
M:2/4 L:1/8 Q:1/4=88 K:C .C.E.G.E | .C.E.G2 | .G.F.E.D | C4 |]
Mixing slurs and staccatos
Classical music constantly uses the two-note slur followed by detached notes: the first note of the slur is leaned on, the second is lighter and shorter, then the hand lifts. It is a "drop and roll" wrist gesture: fall, roll, float away.
M:2/4 L:1/8 Q:1/4=80 K:C (CD) .E.F | (GF) .E.D | (CE) .G.c | c4 |]
Step-by-step exercise
- A repeated note (G, 3rd finger) in wrist staccato, very slowly: let the key throw you back.
- The first example in finger staccato, then wrist staccato: listen to the difference in character.
- The second example: exaggerate the contrast first (very singing slur, very short staccato), then refine it.
- Hands together: right hand staccato, left hand held notes (C held for two beats per bar). An excellent independence exercise.
Common mistakes:
- Hitting the key from above: the staccato becomes harsh. Always start in contact with the key.
- Shortening the tempo as well: staccato shortens the note, not the pulse. The silences count.
- Stiffening the wrist "to be accurate": accuracy comes from a supple bounce.
Tip: there are other articulations: tenuto (a short line: held and leaned on), portato (dots under a slur: barely separated) and staccatissimo (a small wedge: very short). Each has its own character: make them audible.