Jianpu -- the same note twice under a slur

[jtetek]

Hello everyone,

I have bought the CENTRAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC DIZI GRADING BOOK (GRADE 1-6) from Eason Music Store.

I am not sure what to play when there is the same note twice under a slur (a curved line above the numbers). I thought that maybe I should play the note only once with longer duration. I don't think this is the case, however because then I don't see any reason why at other places in the same piece there are notes of various durations. The two notes are in the middle of a bar, so it is not because they needed longer duration but couldn't fit it in the bar.
I play it separated with tonguing, but I have no idea whether that is correct.


Any help would be much appreciated.

[davidmdahl]

As with staff notation, a tied note in jianpu is extended by the length of the second note. The second note is not articulated again. The same duration can be indicated with a longer note, but usually ties are used to improve readability and understanding of the rhythm.

Best wishes,

David

[jtetek]

Thank you for prompt response.

If that is the case, however, why would there be one slur under another like on the photo (second line from bottom).

[davidmdahl]

In the two measures you refer to, the curved line over the two fives is a "tie". As I described, a tied note is played as one, the length being the sum of the values of the two notes. Curved lines over a group of different notes is either a slur or a phrase. The difference between a slur and a phrase is somewhat subtle. Slurred notes are played legato, without a break in between. The "1 1" in the top and bottom lines in your example are under a slur, rather than a tie, since the curved line is over a group of notes. In that case I would lightly articulate each "1" note.

Slurs, ties, and phrase markings are much the same as in staff notation. If you Google these terms, you will find a lot of helpful descriptions, examples, and explanations.

Slurs, Ties, and Phrase Marks

Best wishes,

David