Staccatissimo vs. Staccato — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
Staccatissimo is a more extreme version of staccato, with notes played even shorter and more sharply detached, while staccato indicates a moderately detached and short style of playing notes.
Difference Between Staccatissimo and Staccato
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Staccatissimo describes a musical articulation that is extremely short and detached. It's a superlative form of staccato, meaning notes are played as briefly as possible. On the other hand, staccato, while also a detached and separated style of playing, involves moderately shortening each note and emphasizes clarity.
In notation, staccatissimo is typically represented by a small wedge or triangle above or below a note, indicating a sharper separation. In contrast, staccato is indicated with dots above or below notes, meaning they are separated but not as drastically.
Staccatissimo creates a pronounced, highly percussive effect due to its very short and abrupt nature. Staccato, however, maintains musicality while providing separation between notes.
Staccatissimo demands significant control over the instrument for precise execution. Meanwhile, staccato, although requiring control, is less demanding, allowing for quicker transitions.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Extremely short and sharply detached articulation
Moderately short and detached articulation
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Notation
Represented by a wedge or small triangle
Represented by dots
Effect
Very percussive, with pronounced separation
Clear, short, and separated notes
Level of Precision
Requires high precision and control
Requires moderate precision
Usage
Rare and often in specific musical contexts
Common in many musical styles
Compare with Definitions
Staccatissimo
Used in classical compositions to create a dramatic percussive effect.
The composer chose staccatissimo for a striking contrast.
Staccato
A musical articulation with moderately short, detached notes.
The flutist played the melody staccato for a light, bouncy feel.
Staccatissimo
Can be challenging to play on certain instruments due to rapid articulation.
On wind instruments, staccatissimo can be difficult to sustain.
Staccato
Indicated by dots above or below notes in sheet music.
The conductor asked the orchestra to emphasize the staccato markings.
Staccatissimo
An articulation style involving extremely short, detached notes.
The pianist played the fast section staccatissimo, emphasizing each note sharply.
Staccato
Common in a wide range of musical styles.
Jazz saxophonists often incorporate staccato phrasing into solos.
Staccatissimo
A style demanding meticulous precision to execute cleanly.
Staccatissimo requires excellent finger control for accuracy.
Staccato
Provides rhythmic clarity and separation between notes.
The staccato passage helped distinguish the main theme from the background.
Staccatissimo
Indicated by a wedge notation above or below notes.
The violinist noticed the staccatissimo marking in her sheet music.
Staccato
Easier to play than staccatissimo due to its moderate separation.
Staccato is frequently used in beginner exercises for musicians.
Staccatissimo
(music) Extremely staccato.
Staccato
Staccato ([stakˈkaːto]; Italian for "detached") is a form of musical articulation. In modern notation, it signifies a note of shortened duration, separated from the note that may follow by silence.
Staccato
(Music) Cut short crisply; detached
Staccato octaves.
Staccato
Marked by or composed of abrupt, disconnected parts or sounds
Staccato applause.
Staccato
A staccato manner or sound.
Staccato
(music) An articulation marking directing that a note or passage of notes are to be played in an abruptly disconnected manner, with each note sounding for a very short duration, and a short break lasting until the sounding of the next note; as opposed to legato. Staccato is indicated by a dot directly above or below the notehead.
Staccato
(music) A passage having this mark.
Staccato
(figurative) Any sound resembling a musical staccato.
Staccato
(music) played in this style
Now, play the same passage very staccato.
Staccato
(music) Describing a passage having this mark.
Staccato
Made up of abruptly disconnected parts or sounds.
Staccato
Disconnected; separated; distinct; - a direction to perform the notes of a passage in a short, distinct, and pointed manner. It is opposed to legato, and often indicated by heavy accents written over or under the notes, or by dots when the performance is to be less distinct and emphatic.
Staccato
Expressed in a brief, pointed manner.
Staccato and peremptory [literary criticism].
Staccato
Marked by or composed of disconnected parts or sounds; cut short crisply;
Staccato applause
A staccato command
Staccato notes
Staccato
Separating the notes; in music;
Play this staccato, please
Common Curiosities
What does "staccatissimo" mean in music?
Staccatissimo means extremely short and sharply detached notes.
What is "staccato"?
Staccato is a musical style involving moderately short, detached notes.
How is staccatissimo notated?
Staccatissimo is notated with a wedge or small triangle above or below the notes.
What is the notation for staccato?
Staccato is notated with dots above or below the notes.
Are both staccatissimo and staccato used in orchestras?
Yes, both are used in orchestral compositions.
Is staccatissimo more challenging to play?
Yes, staccatissimo requires greater precision due to its extreme detachment.
Which is shorter: staccatissimo or staccato?
Staccatissimo is shorter and more detached than staccato.
Do staccato and staccatissimo affect rhythm?
Yes, both styles affect rhythm by shortening note durations.
Is staccato suitable for beginners?
Yes, it's often used in beginner exercises to improve articulation.
Can staccato and staccatissimo be used interchangeably?
No, each has a distinct articulation level, so they're not interchangeable.
How is staccatissimo different on string instruments?
On string instruments, staccatissimo involves very short, distinct bow strokes.
Can wind instruments play staccatissimo?
Yes, though it requires precise breath control.
Which styles commonly use staccato?
Staccato is common in classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
Do composers frequently use staccatissimo?
It's less common than staccato and used for special effects.
Can staccato be applied to all musical instruments?
Yes, staccato can be used on nearly all instruments.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
