Which bowing term describes a light detaché produced without changing bow direction?

Which bowing term describes a light detaché produced without changing bow direction?

• A. Col legno
• B. Arco
• C. Portato
• D. Loure

Answer: (D)

This question pits how bow direction and articulation shape a line on a string instrument. A true detaché means each note gets its own bow stroke, producing clear separation. If you want a light detaché but you don’t reverse the bow, the effect is achieved by keeping the bow moving in the same direction and lightly rearticulating each note. That exact approach is loure: a smooth, gently pulsed legato where notes are lightly separated yet the bow doesn’t change direction. Portato also involves light separation, often under a slur with articulation marks, but loure is the style specifically described by continuing the bow in one direction while producing a subtle, even detaché. Col legno and arco describe different techniques or broad uses of the bow rather than this particular light, one-direction detaché effect.

This question pits how bow direction and articulation shape a line on a string instrument. A true detaché means each note gets its own bow stroke, producing clear separation. If you want a light detaché but you don’t reverse the bow, the effect is achieved by keeping the bow moving in the same direction and lightly rearticulating each note. That exact approach is loure: a smooth, gently pulsed legato where notes are lightly separated yet the bow doesn’t change direction. Portato also involves light separation, often under a slur with articulation marks, but loure is the style specifically described by continuing the bow in one direction while producing a subtle, even detaché. Col legno and arco describe different techniques or broad uses of the bow rather than this particular light, one-direction detaché effect.