Short Answer
Overview
Legato, from the Italian word meaning “tied,” is a performance direction that instructs musicians to play a series of notes in a seamless, uninterrupted manner. When executed correctly, each note flows into the next, creating a fluid line that contrasts with the detached character of staccato. The effect is achieved through subtle control of breath, bow pressure, finger movement, or keyboard touch, depending on the instrument.
In written music, legato is most often signaled by a curved line, called a slur, placed over or under the notes to be connected. While the slur is the primary notation, composers may also write the word “legato” above the staff or combine it with other expressive markings such as “dolce” (sweetly) or “cantabile” (in a singing style) to shape the phrase further.
History / Origin
The term legato entered Western musical terminology during the early Baroque period, when composers began to codify expressive markings to guide performers. Italian treatises of the 17th century, such as those by Francesco Antonio Vallotti, used “legato” to describe a smooth bowing technique for strings. By the Classical era, the slur had become a standardized symbol in printed scores, and the concept was extended to keyboard and wind instruments as performance practice evolved.
How It’s Used
Legato appears in virtually every musical genre, from Baroque keyboard suites to modern film scores. On string instruments, it is achieved through continuous bow contact and minimal pressure changes. Wind players use breath control and finger legato to avoid air gaps, while pianists rely on overlapping finger actions and the natural sustain of the instrument. In electronic music, legato can be programmed in synthesizers to cause notes to glide without retriggering the envelope, often labeled as “legato mode.”
Why It Matters
Legato is a fundamental expressive tool that shapes melodic contour, emotional intensity, and phrasing. It allows composers to convey singing qualities on non‑vocal instruments, enhancing lyrical passages in works such as Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” or Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.” In popular music, legato guitar solos, as heard in Joe Satriani’s “Surfing with the Alien,” create a flowing, virtuosic feel that differentiates them from staccato riffs.
Common Misconceptions
Legato always requires a slur.
While a slur is the most common notation, composers may also write the word “legato” or rely on performance tradition without an explicit symbol.
Legato and portamento are the same.
Legato connects notes without altering pitch, whereas portamento involves a continuous glide between pitches, often heard on strings or voice.
FAQ
How do I achieve legato on the piano?
Use overlapping finger movements, keep the keys depressed slightly after each note, and employ the sustain pedal sparingly to blend the tones without muddying the texture.
Is legato the same as playing with a slur?
A slur is the notation that commonly indicates legato, but legato can also be instructed by the word "legato" or implied by stylistic context without a slur.
Can legato be used in electronic music?
Yes; many synthesizers have a legato mode where successive notes are played without retriggering the envelope, creating a seamless transition between pitches.
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