Marcato
Definition. Marked — each note emphasized strongly, with weight and accent. Indicated by ^ or by the word *marc.*
Detailed Explanation
Marcato, notated by the wedge accent symbol (^) above or below the note, or by the word marc., instructs the performer to play with strong emphasis. The Italian marcato literally means ‘marked’ — each note is etched into the texture, given weight and definition.
Marcato is more emphatic than a regular accent (>). The note has both attack weight and sustained presence. On strings, this means a fully weighted bow stroke; on piano, full arm engagement; on winds, a strongly tongued attack with full breath support.
The character is forceful, declarative, even martial. Marcato passages often appear in march-like contexts, in heroic themes, and in passages of structural importance. The marking is closely related to (but distinct from) sforzando: sforzando is a sudden punch on a single note; marcato is sustained emphasis across multiple notes.
Etymology
Italian, past participle of marcare (‘to mark’), from Frankish markōn (‘to mark’).
In Practice
Play each note with full weight and definition. The character is heroic and emphatic. Don’t shorten the notes (that would be staccato); don’t simply accent the start (that would be sforzando). Maintain weight throughout each note.
Notable Examples
- Beethoven — Eroica Symphony (marcato heroic themes)
- Mahler — Symphony No. 1 (marcato fanfare passages)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Marcato mean in music?
Marked — each note emphasized strongly, with weight and accent. Indicated by ^ or by the word marc.
Where does the word Marcato come from?
Italian, past participle of marcare (‘to mark’), from Frankish markōn (‘to mark’).
How is Marcato performed in practice?
Play each note with full weight and definition. The character is heroic and emphatic. Don’t shorten the notes (that would be staccato); don’t simply accent the start (that would be sforzando). Maintain weight throughout each note.
What are common abbreviations for Marcato?
Marcato is commonly abbreviated as marc..
What musical terms are related to Marcato?
Related terms include: Ben Marcato, Sforzando, Pesante, Alla Marcia.
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