Finale Forum

I'd like to know if, generally speaking, string players see a difference between the two types of accents in my enclosed image, or if one is more likely to be seen in string music, while the other used more for other instruments?

I've seen mentions of the difference being the 1st accent is either softer, or louder, than the 2nd. This, of course, isn't terribly helpful, there seems to be nothing definitive.

I'm not a string player, but I think of the martelato ^ as stronger and heavier than >.

motet wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 17, 2021 5:08 pm

I'm not a string player, but I think of the martelato ^ as stronger and heavier than >.

Agreed.

On the trombone I was always expected to play ^ more strongly and heavily (very) than > and I have always understood these accents in this way as a composer whatever the instrument.

My professional violinist(now semi-retired) wife concurs.

Chris

I've always thought of the rooftop accent as also implying a short duration in addition to its harder articulation, at least in jazz articulations. Is that not the case? If so, does the dot under the rooftop imply an even shorter duration?

Not necessarily short:

Ah yes the Scarpia chords - I suppose there are strings at work too, although we (the trombones) try to make sure they're not heard! (Not really, but we don't hold back.) Anyway, a perfect example of the same accent marking across woodwind, brass and strings all to the same purpose: very loud, strong and heavy.

What edition is that?

Apologies to Michel for hijacking your thread, but I think your question may have been answered.

My edition! Which only has one trombone (a bass, obviously).

hey! no apologies necessary for my favourite chord sequence in the entire operatic repertoire!