What Is a Musical Slur
A slur in music is a symbol that groups notes to be played in a single, smooth phrase without rearticulating each note. It indicates legato playing and often, but not always, demands that the notes be performed in a single breath or stroke where applicable. On sheet music, a slur appears as a curved line connecting different-pitched notes. The term can also refer to lyrics or titles that are considered derogatory or pejorative, but this article focuses on the notational and performance meaning in music.
Notation and Basic Rules
How Slurs Appear on the Page
In standard notation, a slur is drawn as a curved line that spans the notes it groups. Unlike a tie, which connects two notes of the same pitch to extend duration, a slur always connects notes of different pitches. The curve typically starts on the first note and arches over the subsequent notes to show which should be played without rearticulation. The ending note is released naturally as the phrase concludes.
Universal Principles
- Connects different-pitched notes to indicate smooth, unbroken phrasing.
- Indicates legato articulation within the grouped notes.
- Does not extend rhythmic duration; each note retains its written value.
- Performance technique depends on instrument and context; breathing or bowing rules vary.
- Not to be confused with accents, staccato, or tenuto markings.
Slurs vs Articulation Marks
Slurs are often confused with other articulation symbols. Understanding the differences helps avoid misreading parts. Articulation marks modify how a single note sounds, while a slur groups multiple notes into one musical idea. For example, accents emphasize note weight, staccato shortens and detaches notes, and tenuto suggests sustained or strongly connected notes. A slur specifically directs performers to play connectedly without rearticulating between notes. When multiple symbols appear on a note, standard precedence and performance context determine how to interpret them.
Practical Examples by Instrument
Piano and Keyboard
Piano slurs connect notes that should sound legato across the bar line when possible, typically played in a smooth hand motion without re-striking the keys. If the slur spans multiple notes in one hand, the performer uses finger substitution, pedal, or hand position shifts to maintain continuity without rearticulating. Piano slurs do not imply sustaining; they shape the line melodically and rhythmically.
Strings and Bowed Instruments
In string parts, slurs often indicate bowing or breathing groupings. For violin, viola, cello, and bass, a slur commonly means one bow stroke for the entire group where feasible. When slurs conflict with actual bow changes, players may break the mark subtly to preserve musical line. The exact interpretation depends on style, period, and edition. Players coordinate breath or phrasing to match the curve’s arc without breaking the phrase abruptly.
Wind and Brass
Wind and brass players use slurs to show where to tongue the first note of a group and then glide through subsequent notes without tonguing. This produces a seamless legato. Long slurs may require careful breath planning; players mark partial breaths with smaller “+” symbols or planned phrasing. In brass, lip slurs—gliding between notes without re-articulating—align with printed slurs to create smooth connections.
Vocal Music
In sung music, slurs group notes that should be performed in a single syllable or phrase without re-articulation. Singers maintain one breath for the entire slur, shaping dynamics and tone across the range. When slurs cross bar lines, performers plan breaths strategically to preserve musical integrity. Historical performance practice may adjust slur handling based on language and style.
Interpretation and Common Considerations
Style, Period, and Edition
How a slur is executed can change with musical style, period, and edition. Baroque music may use slurs more sparingly, while Romantic and modern works often feature expressive, sweeping phrases. Editors sometimes add or adjust slurs, so comparing multiple editions can reveal interpretive options. Performers balance the printed slur with stylistic norms, ensuring the line remains coherent and idiomatic for the instrument and era.
When Slurs Are Broken
Occasionally, performers break a slur for practical reasons such as breath, bow direction, or tonguing logistics. In such cases, the musical line should remain smooth, with minimal audible interruption. Markings like accents or staccato inside a slur may indicate intentional separation. Rehearsal marks or conductor cues can help coordinate group decisions about permissible breaks.
Common Misunderstandings and Clarifications
Misreading slurs leads to unintended accents or phrasing errors. Remember that a slur is not a tie, dynamic mark, or ornament; it is a phrase guide. On guitar, slurs indicate hammer-ons and pull-offs within a phrase. In orchestral writing, slurs can apply to one section or multiple parts; players should confirm coverage. Always check context, key, and surrounding articulations to interpret slurs accurately and maintain the composer’s intended musical shape.