What does marcato indicate?

• A. A strongly accented, emphasized note
• B. A long sustained note
• C. A staccato short note
• D. A gentle dynamic

Answer: (A)

Marcato signals a strong, deliberate emphasis on the note. It’s about the attack being punchy and clearly articulated, so the note stands out from the surrounding pitches. The mark is shown as a wedge-shaped symbol or the word “marcato” above the note, guiding you to a bold, pronounced attack rather than a long hold or a soft touch. It isn’t about sustaining the note longer, which would be a different instruction, and it isn’t the same as a staccato short note or a gentle dynamic like piano. In performance, you’d approach it with a crisp, decisive onset that makes the note pop in the musical line.