Martellato
Definition. Hammered — each note attacked sharply and percussively, with great force. From the Italian *martello*, ‘hammer’.
Detailed Explanation
Martellato is Italian for ‘hammered’. As a performance direction it instructs the performer to attack each note sharply and percussively, as if striking with a hammer. The effect is forceful, percussive, and emphatic.
On bowed strings, martellato is a specific bow technique: the bow is pressed firmly into the string at the start of the stroke, producing a sharp, accented attack, then released to allow the note to sound. The result is a strongly accented, slightly detached note with a percussive quality.
On piano, martellato implies a hammered touch — full arm weight, sharp attack, possibly with the keys struck rather than pressed. The marking is more common in 19th and 20th-century piano music (Liszt, Bartók, Prokofiev) and in violin writing.
Etymology
Italian, past participle of martellare (‘to hammer’), from martello (‘hammer’), itself from Latin martulus.
In Practice
Engage full physical commitment. The hammer-like character requires more than a strong attack; the entire body should support the percussive force. On strings, plant the bow firmly before drawing.
Notable Examples
- Bartók — Allegro Barbaro (martellato piano writing)
- Prokofiev — Piano Sonatas (martellato passages throughout)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Martellato mean in music?
Hammered — each note attacked sharply and percussively, with great force. From the Italian martello, ‘hammer’.
Where does the word Martellato come from?
Italian, past participle of martellare (‘to hammer’), from martello (‘hammer’), itself from Latin martulus.
How is Martellato performed in practice?
Engage full physical commitment. The hammer-like character requires more than a strong attack; the entire body should support the percussive force. On strings, plant the bow firmly before drawing.
What musical terms are related to Martellato?
Related terms include: Marcato, Spiccato, Sforzando.
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