Which term indicates a strongly accented, emphasized note?

• A. Sforzando
• B. Marcato
• C. Staccatissimo
• D. Portato

Answer: (B)

Accented articulation tells you how to emphasize a note, and marcato means the note should be given a clear, weighty emphasis with a strong attack. It’s about making the note stand out in a measured, deliberate way—hit it with intention and then release as the phrase continues.

Sforzando also signals a strong emphasis, but it’s more about a sudden, forceful attack on the note or chord, often felt as an abrupt shock in the texture. Staccatissimo focuses on extreme shortness and separation, not on emphasis of the attack within a phrase. Portato sits between legato and staccato, implying a gentle, semi-detached feel rather than a strong, pointed accent.

So the term that best communicates a strongly accented, emphasized note in a typical musical line is marcato.