Détaché

/ˌdeɪtæˈʃeɪ/day-tah-SHAY
ArticulationFrench
Also written as: détaché

Definition. Detached — a bowing technique where each note is given a separate, sustained bow stroke.

Detailed Explanation

Détaché is the basic bowing technique where each note receives its own bow stroke, but with sustained tone (not bounced or shortened). The bow alternates between up- and down-strokes; the sound is firm and connected within each stroke but clearly articulated between notes.

Détaché is the standard bowing for many fast passages where neither legato (single bow stroke for many notes) nor spiccato (bouncing bow) is wanted. The character is firm, articulated, and rhythmically definite. Most scale passages and running figures in string repertoire are played détaché.

Variations exist: grand détaché (broader, more weighted strokes), petit détaché (smaller, lighter strokes near the middle of the bow), and louré (slurred détaché, with multiple notes per bow but each clearly articulated).

Etymology

French, past participle of détacher (‘to detach’), from Old French destachier.

In Practice

Maintain consistent bow weight and speed for all strokes. The détaché is about clean separation between notes within sustained tone — it is not staccato (too short) or legato (no separation).

Notable Examples

  • Bach — Various sonatas and partitas  (ubiquitous détaché writing)
  • Mozart — Concertos  (standard fast-passage articulation)

Related Terms

Opposite Of

Frequently Asked Questions

Co znamená Détaché v hudbě?

Detached — a bowing technique where each note is given a separate, sustained bow stroke.

Odkud pochází slovo Détaché?

French, past participle of détacher (‘to detach’), from Old French destachier.

Jak se Détaché provádí v praxi?

Maintain consistent bow weight and speed for all strokes. The détaché is about clean separation between notes within sustained tone — it is not staccato (too short) or legato (no separation).

Jaké jsou běžné zkratky pro Détaché?

Détaché se běžně zkracuje jako détaché.

Které hudební termíny souvisejí s Détaché?

Související termíny: Staccato, Spiccato, Louré.

Practice with Songtive's free tools

Hear this term applied — explore chord charts, fingerings and the music engine.

Piano chordsGuitar chordsVirtual piano