Articulation
The manner in which individual notes are attacked, sustained, and released.
Category
performance
Pronunciation
ar-TIK-yoo-LAY-shun
Origin
Latin (articulatio, division into joints)
Length
137 words · 1 min read
About Articulation
Articulation determines the character and clarity of each note. Common articulation markings include staccato (short and detached), legato (smooth and connected), tenuto (held for full value), marcato (strongly accented), and accent (emphasised attack).
More performance terms
Una corda
View all performanceterms →Depress the left pedal on a piano to soften the tone
TuttiAll together; the entire ensemble plays.
SoloA passage for a single performer, with or without accompaniment.
Con pedaleWith pedal — an instruction to use the sustain pedal on keyboard instruments
TacetSilent — an instruction that a performer or section does not play during a movement or passage
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →