Quick questions on Shaping with dynamics and phrasing explained: N(A)-Level Music

Dynamics are how loud or soft you play. Follow the markings in the score ($p$ soft, $f$ loud, $mp$ and $mf$ in between, crescendo to grow, diminuendo to fade) and also grade the volume within phrases, often growing toward a high point and easing off at the end. Playing everything at one level sounds flat; varied dynamics give life and contrast.

A phrase is a musical sentence, a short, complete-sounding unit of melody. Shape each phrase with a sense of rise and fall and direction, usually leaning toward its high point and easing toward its end, and breathe or lift slightly between phrases. Good phrasing turns a stream of notes into expressive, sentence-like music.

Articulation is how each note is started and how long it is held. Legato means smooth and connected (no gaps); staccato means short and detached (clear gaps); accents give a note extra emphasis. Following the articulation markings gives the notes character and matches the style.

Accurate notes and rhythms are necessary but not enough. Expression is the layer of musical choices, dynamics, phrasing and articulation, that the notation only partly fixes. These choices should serve the shape and mood of the music, so the performance communicates, not just plays.

A stream of equal notes has no shape. Shape phrases with rise and fall and breathe between them.

Explain what a phrase is and how you would shape one. [2 marks]

Explain the difference between legato and staccato. [2 marks]

Explain why a performer should follow the dynamic markings in the score. [3 marks]