Peter Phillips & The Tallis Scholars - Spem in alium

ASPIRATION (from lat. Aspiratio - inhalation) - an ancient technique of execution, close to modern. staccato; the sounds at which the A. sign stood (; subsequently, this sign denoted staccatissimo), withstood somewhat less than its full duration. A. was used in harpsichord music of the 17-18 centuries. In F. Cuperin, Jr. , A. meant little. shortening the sound. With J. F. Rameau, who instead of the term “A. ” used the term “son coupé” (lit. - jerky, interrupted sound), A. meant a shortening of the sound by half the duration.