In particular, on cello. I got the impression that both are strong (either by pressure or speed) at the beginning of the note, followed by quick release of pressure/speed. What is the difference between the two?
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Not necessarily - some sfz can be interpreted as "hit it strong and stay strong" – Carl Witthoft Feb 20 at 13:06
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I assume you mean the difference between ^ and >. Both signs are used as accents in generally. The correct designations are marcato (>) and martellato (^).
Usually marcato means accentuated and martellato means strong accentuated. So you see that there is only a small difference. And it is often discussed how exactly these two accents are played differently and in particular with a certain instrument (like in your case a cello).
However sforzato and/or sforzando (sf and sfz) are dynamics. They are dynamics and mean with sudden emphasis in the sense of sudden change of the volume.
So summarizing: accents like ^ and > are similar to dynamic instructions like sforzando and sforzato, but they are not the same.
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1I wouldn't treat any accent mark as "sforzando," seeing as sfz is written in the score when it's wanted. (or sf, or sz). – Carl Witthoft Feb 20 at 13:05
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