George Frederick McKay · section 8 of 111

Phrasing for wind instruments

In writing for the wind instruments, indicate the staccato and legato character by dots and slurs. Because winds are more sluggish in articulation than strings, any staccato effects in winds will have to be vividly indicated and you may have to add additional instructions to the staccato markings. Use descriptive terms such as "crisp," "emphatic," "delicate," "vigorous," etc.

Wind instruments can play quite long and continuous legato passages without too much trouble. Legato passages can be made most effective by shaping them in accordance with those points where the player would naturally pause for breath.