What does 'marcato' signify in the context of music?

In the context of music, 'marcato' signifies that a note or phrase should be played in a marked or stressed manner. This term indicates that the note should stand out distinctly from the surrounding notes, creating a strong emphasis. When musicians encounter marcato markings in sheet music, they understand that they are to play those notes with clarity and purpose, often slightly louder or with a more pronounced attack compared to other notes.

This emphasis is important for conveying the desired emotional expression and dynamics in a piece of music, enhancing the overall performance. Although there are other terms used in music that relate to dynamics and articulation, marcato specifically conveys the idea of stressing the sound, making it a crucial element in interpreting the musical score effectively.