Which term indicates to hold the note slightly longer and emphasize it?

• A. Staccato
• B. Tranquillo
• C. Tie
• D. Tenuto

Answer: (D)

Tenuto indicates holding a note for its full written value with a touch of weight or emphasis. The horizontal line above or below the note signals you should sustain the note for its full duration and often give it a slightly stronger or more connected feel within the phrase. It’s about duration plus a whisper of emphasis.

Staccato, in contrast, tells you to shorten the note and detach it from the surrounding notes, creating a crisp, separated effect. A tie connects two notes of the same pitch so they sound as one longer note, distributing the duration across the tied values rather than adding a deliberate emphasis on a single note. Tranquillo is a mood marking—play calmly and smoothly—rather than a directive about length or emphasis on a single note.