Should I accent the first note under a slur thus
or should I lift my hand at the end of the slur thus
Slurs and accents have nothing to do with each other, because accents relate to rhythm, while slurs concern the touch. The last note under a slur will usually be slightly curtailed in order to create that small pause which separates one phrase from another. Generally speaking, the slur in piano music represents the breathing periods of the vocalist.
How a Tie and a Slur Differ
What difference is there between a slur and a tie?
None in appearance, but much in effect. A tie continues the sound of the note struck at its beginning as long as the note-value at its end indicates. It can be placed only upon two notes of similar name in the same octave which follow each other. As soon as another note intervenes the tie becomes a slur and indicates a legato touch.
Slurs and Accents Not Related
How should the beginning of slurs be accented?