Legato: A musical technique in which notes are played or sung smoothly and connected, with no perceptible breaks between them.

Context and Significance

Legato is a crucial element in creating expressive and fluid musical phrases. It is commonly used across various genres, including classical, jazz, and pop. Instruments like the violin and piano often employ legato to achieve seamless note transitions and a lyrical quality in performance. Singers also utilize legato to maintain a continuous vocal line that enhances emotional delivery.

Historical Background

The term “legato” comes from the Italian word meaning “tied together.” Its use became prominent during the Baroque period as composers sought more expressive means of connecting notes. Over time, legato has been embraced in numerous musical styles, becoming a fundamental technique for achieving continuity in melodic lines. Composers like Bach and Mozart frequently used legato to convey smooth and flowing passages in their works.

Examples

In Frederic Chopin’s Nocturnes, legato playing is essential to produce the piece’s signature lyrical and emotive quality. Violinists like Itzhak Perlman masterfully execute legato to create seamless connections between notes in classical performances. Jazz saxophonists often use legato to deliver smooth, flowing solos that captivate audiences with their uninterrupted melodic lines.

Related Terms

Staccato: A technique where notes are played short and detached.

Portamento: A smooth gliding between two pitches.

Slur: A notation indicating legato playing or singing.

« Back to Glossary Index