Which term means notes extremely short and detached?

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

Answer: (C)

The main idea is articulation that creates extreme separation between notes. Notes extremely short and detached are described by staccatissimo. This marking pushes the release to be crisper and much shorter than a regular staccato, often shown with a wedge or a very small stroke above or below the note. The result is a sharp, almost pointed shortness, with almost no sustain after the note ends. By comparison, staccato (a simple dot) asks for detachment but not to the extreme degree of staccatissimo; portato combines light detachment with a slight legato feel under a slur; marcato emphasizes the attack and volume of the note rather than its duration. So the term for notes that are extremely short and detached is staccatissimo.