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Interpreting Marcatos

Posted by Marcato Mark & the Funky Bunch on 7/27/2026, 4:45 pm

How do YOU interpret marcatos? We are having a debate on whether or not it is:

a) the same volume as an accent, but makes the note shorter
b) louder than an accent with no change in note length
c) louder than an accent and makes the note shorter

The four of us have all stated compelling arguments for different interpretations, including examples, but we can't agree.

Re: Interpreting Marcatos

Posted by Jeremy Lindquist on 7/30/2026, 7:12 pm, in reply to "Interpreting Marcatos"

I prefer to teach:

Tenuto: 100% of rhythmic value
Staccato: 50% of rhythmic value
Tenuto/Staccato: 75% rhythmic value (lifted length)

Accent: emphasize the attack without shortening body of sound

Marcato: staccato + accent (emphasize the attack and abbreviate the body of sound by 50%)

My aim is to instill a COMMON BELIEF in the ensemble so that as we play our music, we interpret the marking exactly the same way.

(emphasize = more air)

Re: Interpreting Marcatos

Posted by 2cents on 7/30/2026, 1:04 pm, in reply to "Interpreting Marcatos"

C. Marcato = marked = stands out against the notes around it. Changing the volume and articulation would make it stand out. How much louder? Just enough to make the note "marked" to the ears: observably louder but not overly loud.

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