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Articulation

Articulation refers to a performance style.  Legato, which is sometimes indicated by a curved line called a slur, means that the notes are to be played in a smooth, connected manner.  Staccato implies that the notes are to be separated by silence in a detached manner, just the opposite of legato. Staccato is indicated by a dot above or below the notehead (not to be confused with the dot of augmentation located to the right of the notehead).