In music performance, what does "staccato" indicate?

Staccato is a term used in music performance that instructs musicians to play notes in a sharp, detached manner. This means that each note should be played distinctly, with a noticeable separation between them, rather than blending into one another. The effect of staccato is to create a sense of crispness and to emphasize the individual notes, often contributing to a lively or energetic feel in the music.

In contrast, the other choices describe different articulations or expressive techniques. Playing smoothly refers to legato, which involves connecting notes without gaps. Playing notes slower than usual suggests a slower tempo rather than a specific articulation style. A gradual build-up in intensity is typically referred to as a crescendo, which is unrelated to the staccato technique. Therefore, the indication to play notes sharply and detached best aligns with the definition of staccato.