Which term refers to an emphasis placed on a note or chord?

Which term refers to an emphasis placed on a note or chord?

• A. Legato
• B. Staccato
• C. Accent
• D. Tenuto

Answer: (C)

Emphasis on a note or chord is shown with an accent. An accent tells you to attack the note more forcefully and often to make it momentarily louder than the surrounding notes, so it stands out in the phrase. Legato means to play smoothly and connected, without distinct notes. Staccato means to play the note short and detached. Tenuto means to hold the note for its full value, sometimes with a slight weight but not a stronger attack. So the term that specifically communicates emphasis is accent, because it directs the performer to give that note extra emphasis in its attack and dynamic.

Emphasis on a note or chord is shown with an accent. An accent tells you to attack the note more forcefully and often to make it momentarily louder than the surrounding notes, so it stands out in the phrase. Legato means to play smoothly and connected, without distinct notes. Staccato means to play the note short and detached. Tenuto means to hold the note for its full value, sometimes with a slight weight but not a stronger attack. So the term that specifically communicates emphasis is accent, because it directs the performer to give that note extra emphasis in its attack and dynamic.