Portato

Bo · Post by Bo » Tue Sep 29, 2009 3:42 pm

I have an exercise that says to play attention to "portato". I know what it is, but I am not sure how to play it. I think I should try to play the staccatos in a phrase. Is that right?

Thank you for your advice,
Bo

Zevang · Post by **Zevang** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 4:04 pm

Dear Bo,
"Portato" is a term that defines a technique used by string instrument players, like the violin, when one slides the finger to alter the height of a note.
In a flute, you can do this by slowly opening or closing a tone hole, and it demands a certain level of practice. Note that you only do this if your flute has open holes.

Bo · Post by Bo » Tue Sep 29, 2009 4:13 pm

Thank you, Zevang!
Yes, my new flute does have open holes.

I am so glad it does now...

B

willarnold · Post by **willarnold** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 3:01 pm

Zevang wrote:Dear Bo,
"Portato" is a term that defines a technique used by string instrument players, like the violin, when one slides the finger to alter the height of a note.
In a flute, you can do this by slowly opening or closing a tone hole, and it demands a certain level of practice. Note that you only do this if your flute has open holes.

Actually, you're confusing portato with portamento. Portato is where each note is articulated but carried to the next note. Portamento is a slide between two pitches.

Zevang · Post by **Zevang** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:27 pm

Oh, indeed you're right. My mistake.
Sorry for that Bo.

Bo · Post by Bo » Thu Dec 03, 2009 1:44 am

No problem, thanks to both of you...

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 8:31 am

You say "portayto", I say "portahto"

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 9:47 am

pied_piper wrote:You say "portayto", I say "portahto"

Hmmm. Yes. Much like Tomayto and tomahto. And car-a-mull and care-a-mell.