The purpose of this definitions assignment was to write 3 types of a technical definition. A parenthetical, sentence and expanded definitions are provided on this assignment. I learned that different types of definitions can aim towards different intended audiences.
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Introduction
This assignment aims to allow students of ENGL 301 to understand a specific, non-general term in different ways and to appreciate different interpretations of the same word. Exploring different amounts of detail depending on the situation faced.
Situation
The audience this is aimed towards is for those who have no technical knowledge in music and/or music score reading. As the musical term is of Italian origin, it is typical for a person who has never read sheet music to not know this word. This is aimed for students who are trying to understand the concept and technicality of different playing styles within a piece of work.
Parenthetical Definition
Staccato [stuh-kah-toh]:
A musical symbol frequently seen on sheet music.
(Fig. 1) Staccato marking on sheet music
Sentence Definition
Staccato is a symbol seen commonly on sheet music that signals the musician to play a short, detached note.
Expanded Definition
Origin of Staccato
Staccato is an articulation marking performed by the musician and is usually heard commonly in all types of music forms. The word staccato originates from the Italian language and translates to “to detach” and is used commonly outside of music too. Musically, it means to play “short and detached”.
Staccato Uses on Instruments
On different instruments, the staccato is achieved differently due to the nature of the instrument. However, the end-goal is achieved to the audience/listener as the articulation is the same audibly throughout all instruments.
On string instruments, this would mean that the musician would shorten one’s bow stroke, not allowing more sound to be made once the articulation is performed. On wind and brass instruments, the musician would manipulate one’s breathing to blow a quick stream of air and quickly shut the air flow to the instrument with their tongue. Conversely, for piano players, one must hit the key for a very short period of time and quickly lift away from the key to perform a staccato articulation.
On sheet music, it is simply denoted as a small, circular black dot on the music (Fig. 1) (not to be mistaken by the actual note head (oval shaped with a line connected)).
References
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Staccato. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved September 30, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staccato.
Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Staccato definition & meaning. Dictionary.com. Retrieved September 30, 2021, from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/staccato.
BBC. (n.d.). Staccato – understanding musical signs and symbols – national 5 music revision – BBC Bitesize. BBC News. Retrieved September 30, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zgvgw6f/revision/7.