What is the term for holding a note for its full value or playing it with slight emphasis?

The term "tenuto" refers specifically to the technique of holding a note for its full value or playing it with slight emphasis. In musical notation, tenuto is often indicated by a line placed above or below the note, signaling the performer to sustain the note, adding weight and presence to it in the musical context. This technique contrasts with others, such as staccato, which denotes a shorter, more detached articulation.

Understanding this term also illustrates the importance of playing with expression. When notes are performed tenuto, they contribute to the overall dynamic and character of the music, enhancing the emotional impact.

Alternative choices such as forte and piano relate to dynamic levels, indicating loudness and softness respectively, and do not pertain to the duration or emphasis of notes. Legato, on the other hand, refers to playing notes smoothly and connectedly, with no breaks between them, rather than focusing on the duration or emphasis of a single note.