musical phrasing
How notes group
Musical phrasing is the way a performer shapes a passage of music, much as a speaker groups words into meaningful units.
It involves subtle variations in tempo, dynamics, and articulation to give music expression and coherence.
Good phrasing makes the difference between mechanical playing and an emotionally compelling performance: Her phrasing in the slow movement was exquisite.
- staccatoShort, separated note style
- dynamicsStudy of forces
- articulationClear vocal expression
- crescendoGradual increase in loudness
- cadenceRhythmic pulse or pattern
breath control · breathing room · cantabile · motif · accentuation · rhythmic patterns · legato · rubato · diminuendo · tone color · resolution · ornamentation · improvisation · vibrato · counterpoint · breath · shape · tension