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A phrase mark is a curved line in music notation that indicates a group of notes should be performed as one musical phrase. It helps performers shape the music naturally and expressively.
What is a phrase mark?
A phrase mark extends over two or more notes to show that they belong to the same musical idea. Unlike a tie, which connects two notes of the same pitch into a single sustained note, a phrase mark groups different notes into one expressive phrase.
Phrase marks help musicians understand the musical structure and indicate where phrases begin and end.
How is a phrase mark used in piano playing?
Piano players use phrase marks to shape melodies with smooth phrasing, natural dynamics and expressive articulation. The end of a phrase often suggests a slight release before the next musical idea begins.
Understanding phrase marks helps pianists perform music more expressively and communicate the composer’s musical intentions.