legato

views updated May 11 2018

legato (It.). Bound together. Perf. of mus. so that there is no perceptible pause between notes, i.e. in a smooth manner, the opposite of staccato. Indicated by slur or curved line. On str. instrs., legato passages are played with one stroke of the bow; in vocal mus., the legato passage is sung in one breath. Legato touch in pf. playing requires holding down one key until the finger is on another. Superlative is legatissimo.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

legato

views updated Jun 08 2018

le·ga·to / liˈgäto/ • adv. & adj. Mus. in a smooth, flowing manner, without breaks between notes.Compare with staccato.• n. performance in this manner.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

legato

views updated May 18 2018

legato (mus.) smooth and connected. XIX. — It., pp. of legare :- L. ligāre bind.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

legato

All Sources -
Updated Aug 08 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic

You Might Also Like