Definition & Meaning of "marcato"

What is "marcato"?

Marcato is a musical term that indicates a note or passage should be played with strong emphasis and increased accent. It is usually marked by a symbol that looks like a small, inverted V (^) placed above or below the note. This marking instructs the performer to play the note more forcefully and with a distinct separation from the surrounding notes, giving it a more pronounced and forceful sound. Marcato adds emphasis and can help highlight important parts of the music.