Forzando (fz) indicates what musical effect?

• A. Soft
• B. A soft crescendo
• C. Forced, a strong accent
• D. A staccato articulation

Answer: (C)

The marking tells you to give the note a sudden, strong emphasis. Forzando means a forceful attack on that pitch—a quick, punching accent that stands out from the surrounding notes. It’s more abrupt than a regular accent and isn’t about making the line softer, nor about a gradual increase in volume (crescendo). It also isn’t about short, detached duration (staccato); it’s about a powerful, immediate emphasis on the note itself.