Emphasis Preaching Journal

Musicians who play woodwind or brass instruments have to learn the technique of tonguing in order to shape the notes their instruments produce. Through proper tonguing, crisp, distinct notes can be played, clearly separated from the notes before and after them, not slurred or run together. Without tonguing, the characteristic opening measures of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony would not sound forth their distinctive "DA DA DA DAH" and the 1812 Overture would have to rely on the cannons and fireworks at the end to produce its explosive musical qualities.