What musical technique is described by the term "staccato"?

The term "staccato" refers to a playing technique where notes are performed in a short and detached manner. This indicates that each note is played separately from the others, rather than smoothly connected. In musical notation, staccato is often marked by a dot placed above or below the notehead, instructing the performer to shorten the duration of the note. This creates a distinctively punctuated sound, adding variety and texture to the music.

In contrast, other options describe different techniques: rapid playing suggests a speed that is not inherent to staccato, sustained notes imply a flow and connection that is opposite to the detached nature of staccato, and soft playing focuses on dynamics without necessarily indicating the separation of notes. Thus, the correct interpretation of "staccato" aligns precisely with the concept of detached notes.