Legato is a musical term used to describe a specific way of playing or singing musical notes. It is an Italian word that means "tied together," and in music, it refers to a smooth and connected style of playing or singing where the notes flow seamlessly into one another, without any noticeable gaps or breaks in sound.
To achieve a legato effect, musicians often use techniques such as:
Slurring: Instruments like the violin, wind instruments, and brass instruments use slurs to indicate that a group of notes should be played or sung smoothly, without separating them with separate bow strokes or breaths.
Finger legato: On instruments like the piano or guitar, legato can be achieved by using the fingers to connect successive notes, minimizing any gaps in sound.
Breath control: In singing and wind instruments, maintaining a continuous flow of air and controlling the breath is crucial for achieving a smooth, legato phrasing.
Articulation markings: In sheet music, composers may use specific markings, such as curved lines or the word "legato," to instruct musicians to play or sing with a legato style.
Legato is often used to convey a sense of fluidity, expressiveness, and lyrical beauty in music. It is the opposite of staccato, which involves short, disconnected notes. Musicians use legato and staccato techniques to add variety and emotion to their performances, depending on the style and mood of the piece they are playing or singing.