Final answer:
The articulation between melody notes can either be legato or staccato, in contrast to the bass line, and is determined by the style and period of the music, as well as any lyrical content. Renaissance music, with its modal characteristics, differs from later periods that focus on tonality, affecting melodic articulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In contrast to the opening bass line, the kind of articulation between notes in the melody typically would be more detached or staccato if the bass line were smooth and connected (legato). However, if the melody notes have a lyrical and connected style, the articulation would be legato as well. This creates a contrast that highlights the melodic line against the bass. Articulation in music can greatly affect the character and mood of a piece. For example, a legato articulation can make the melody singable and flowing, while a staccato articulation may make it appear playful or spirited.
Melodic articulation is influenced not just by musical notation but also by the period's stylistic conventions. The modal characteristics of Renaissance music, for instance, were quite distinct from those of later periods, which focused more on tonality. As music transitioned from the Renaissance period's emphasis on modal harmony to a tonal system, articulation helped to define the new tonal structure, especially through the use of root motions of fifths.
Articulation in melody can also be reflective of the text in vocal music. The way words are set, such as the repeated 's' sounds, can influence the manner in which notes are sung or played, contributing to the overall poetic techniques and effects of the piece.