Marqué

As Printed on a Score

Printed over the notes or line to be stressed, usually qualified — bien marqué, très marqué — or as the imperative marquez (marquez le chant: bring out the melody). Its scope is the figure or line it sits on; a following doux, effacé or new character word ends it.

Also spelled: marque, marquez

How Composers Use It

Marqué asks for each note to be given weight and definition, the French marcato — but it is about emphasis, not volume, and French composers print it even at p or pp to make a line speak through a soft texture. Use bien marqué for a rhythm that must stay crisp and marquez le chant to lift a melody out of its accompaniment. Avoid adding accents to every note as well; the word already says it.

Example

Ravel, Miroirs No. 4, “Alborada del gracioso”, piano, m. 202: “très marqué” under a pp, two bars after “cédez très peu”.

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