Bartók Béla Viktor János ： Mikrokosmos Vol.5 No.123 Staccato and Legato BB 105 Sz 107

As its title suggests, “Staccato and Legato” is a short study in the contrast between detached playing and smoothly connected lines. Within its limited musical material, the two articulations are set against each other, making changes in note length and resonance central points of interest. Begin by reading the articulation of each passage clearly, using the fingertips differently for rebound and sustain. Avoid rushing, and remain aware of the spaces between notes so that the lightness of the staccato and the flow of the legato become distinct. The aim is not merely to make notes short or long, but to preserve the direction of each phrase while giving the two techniques their individual character.