Which musical term indicates a note is to be held and sustained?

Which musical term indicates a note is to be held and sustained?

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

Answer: (A)

The correct choice is the term that indicates a note should be held and sustained, which in this case is tenuto. Tenuto instructs the performer to play or sing a note for its full value, emphasizing that the note should not be rushed or shortened. This term conveys a sense of steadiness and sustenance in the sound, encouraging a smooth connection between notes, aligning with the expressive quality of the music. While fermata also relates to sustaining a note, it specifically indicates that the note should be held longer than its usual duration, as determined by the performer, typically until they decide to move on. Tenuto, however, refers to a consistent art of sustaining a note at its written length without the flexibility provided by a fermata. Staccato signifies a sharp, detached style of playing, where notes are performed distinctly and separated from each other, and legato refers to a smooth and connected manner of playing with no gaps between notes. Both staccato and legato emphasize different articulations, thereby focusing on the contrast to holding notes as with tenuto.

The correct choice is the term that indicates a note should be held and sustained, which in this case is tenuto. Tenuto instructs the performer to play or sing a note for its full value, emphasizing that the note should not be rushed or shortened. This term conveys a sense of steadiness and sustenance in the sound, encouraging a smooth connection between notes, aligning with the expressive quality of the music.

While fermata also relates to sustaining a note, it specifically indicates that the note should be held longer than its usual duration, as determined by the performer, typically until they decide to move on. Tenuto, however, refers to a consistent art of sustaining a note at its written length without the flexibility provided by a fermata.

Staccato signifies a sharp, detached style of playing, where notes are performed distinctly and separated from each other, and legato refers to a smooth and connected manner of playing with no gaps between notes. Both staccato and legato emphasize different articulations, thereby focusing on the contrast to holding notes as with tenuto.