MusicianCV · TRPhrasing with legato and staccato
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Voicing and performance
Legato suggests connected phrasing; staccato suggests detached articulation. The result depends on the instrument, attack, release and phrase direction, not only note lengths on a screen.
In MIDI editing, small gaps can clarify attacks, while excessive overlap can blur some sounds. Piano pedal, bowing and breathing need different musical judgement.
Example
Compare a four-note phrase with small gaps and then with a connected articulation.
Phrasing with legato and staccatoC–D–E / C· D· E·
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Is staccato the same as increasing the tempo?
Answer
No: one concerns articulation, the other beat rate.Related topics
Distinguishing root and bass · Voicing the same chord differentlyReferences
MIDI Editing
Subject-expert review pending.