When a passage is marked sempre staccato, musicians should play each note with a short and crisp articulation. This can be achieved by lifting the finger from the key (or removing the bow from the string) immediately after striking the note. The duration of each note is shortened, resulting in a series of disconnected sounds.
Sempre staccato is commonly applied to notes that are played in rapid succession, such as sixteenth notes or thirty-second notes. By playing these notes in a detached style, musicians can maintain clarity and definition even in fast passages.
In musical notation, sempre staccato is typically indicated by dots placed above or below the notes. These dots serve as a reminder to the musician that the notes should be played in a detached manner. Staccato dots can also be combined with accents or other articulation markings to further emphasize the desired effect.
Sempre staccato is often contrasted with legato, a technique where notes are played smoothly and connected. By using sempre staccato, composers can create a sense of movement, rhythmic energy, and dynamic contrast within their compositions.