An accent in musical notation is a performance instruction: the designated note should be highlighted or emphasized dynamic.
The most common sign of an accent is a kind of abbreviated decrescendo fork. A sharper emphasis called the " roof accent ". In addition, there is the dynamic character similar statements such as ( forzando / Forzato = "amplified" ) and ( sforzando / sforzato = "very stressed "). Also the ( fortepiano = " strongly and immediately quiet" ) belongs in the wide sense. In the Classical era also points () and keys ( ) above or below the notes as small accents are used, but the exact extent and execution of the commanded by accentuation are controversial today.