I felt somewhat inadequate in a recent lesson when trying to demonstrate the difference between a semiquaver - semiquaver rest pattern, and a staccato quaver - quaver rest pattern (e.g. as found in bars 19 -20 in the left-hand part.) Should the staccato quaver - quaver rest be shorter or longer than the semiquaver - semiquaver rest pattern?
Thanks.

Don't know the piece so can't be specific. At the same speed, a quaver rest will last longer than a semi-quaver rest. A semiquaver + semiquaver rest = 1 quaver. A quaver (staccato or otherwise) + a quaver rest = a crotchet. However, playing just the one note to demonstrate the point is fairly pointless as both a staccato quaver and a semi-quaver will sound like short notes! They need to be heard in the context of the phrase.

[font=Arial][color=#3366FF]
Thanks Suzymac. The thing is that the music has a semiquaver - semiquaver rest - quaver rest in one bar, and a staccato quaver - quaver rest in another bar. I probably didn't explain properly the first time! I suppose what I really want to know is how to play the difference between the two. The composer (Villa-Lobos) must have wanted there to be a difference in note length between the two, and I feel I ought to be able to demonstrate it to my pupil.

I'm playing this for grade 5 and at the moment am just concentrating on the difference between the short non-staccato and short staccato notes.

Here on RTHK the piece is discussed in detail - I can't remember all of it but he does mention the bars you're talking about.

QUOTE(Jen W @ Nov 25 2005, 04:48 PM)

I'm playing this for grade 5 and at the moment am just concentrating on the difference between the short non-staccato and short staccato notes.

Here on RTHK the piece is discussed in detail - I can't remember all of it but he does mention the bars you're talking about.

[font=Arial][color=#3366FF]

Thanks Jen W. I've never heard of RTHK but it looks very interesting.
Hope you get a Distiction for your Grade 5!

Hehe - so do I - thanks!!