Which musical mark indicates to connect notes and play smoothly?

Study for the Certificate of Merit (CM) Piano Theory Level 9 Exam with comprehensive materials. Explore flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and get ready to ace your test with our detailed explanations and hints.

Multiple Choice

Which musical mark indicates to connect notes and play smoothly?

Explanation:
A curved line over or under a group of notes signals a slur. It tells you to connect the notes in one smooth, flowing line, producing legato so the notes sound as a single musical idea rather than separate attacks. On piano, this means minimizing rearticulation between the notes and aiming for an even, seamless connection, sometimes aided by gentle use of the pedal to sustain the line without breaking it. The other marks describe mood or duration rather than connection: spiritoso means play in a spirited, lively style; sostenuto indicates sustaining certain notes, often with the sostenuto pedal; staccato means short, detached notes.

A curved line over or under a group of notes signals a slur. It tells you to connect the notes in one smooth, flowing line, producing legato so the notes sound as a single musical idea rather than separate attacks. On piano, this means minimizing rearticulation between the notes and aiming for an even, seamless connection, sometimes aided by gentle use of the pedal to sustain the line without breaking it. The other marks describe mood or duration rather than connection: spiritoso means play in a spirited, lively style; sostenuto indicates sustaining certain notes, often with the sostenuto pedal; staccato means short, detached notes.

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