Which term is used to indicate both slurring and light separation between notes?

• A. Portato
• B. Tenuto
• C. Rinforzando
• D. Con grazia

Answer: (A)

Portato, also called mezzo-staccato, is the articulation that blends slurred phrasing with a light separation between notes. When notes are under a slur but show light detachment—often marked with dots or short marks—the performer shapes each note just enough to create a gentle separation while still belonging to the same musical line. This yields a connected feel with subtle bite, rather than full legato or full staccato.

Tenuto, by contrast, directs holding each note for its full value (or a touch longer), which emphasizes length over separation. Rinforzando signals a stronger, more emphatic accent, not a light detachment within a slur. Con grazia means with grace, a stylistic mood rather than a specific articulation. So the term that communicates both the slurred grouping and the light detachment is portato.