Music notation can show a wide variety of other qualities the notes in a piece should have. Some of these other qualities to consider are issues related to phrasing and timbre.

For example, placing little points or dots above or below notes indicates that the notes are to be played staccato or “sharply & disconnected”. Alternately placing a curving arc (or slur marking or literally a “phrase” marking) over several notes places them ins group together and indicates the notes are to played legato or “smoothly & connected.”

There are many other terms (many in Italian, of course!) that are used in music notation to indicate various qualities the composer intends for the performer to achieve. A good music dictionary can be handy to keep around. The web is another good place to search. This Wikipedia entry has a great list with definitions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_terminology

Understanding Music Notation Lesson 16 – Phrasing and Timbre

Christopher Schlegel

Tutorial 018 - Learning To Read Music (Page 16 of 17)

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