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Legato - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Legato is a musical term indicating that notes should be played smoothly and connected without breaks between them. It creates a flowing, seamless sound in melodies.

legato

/lɪˈɡɑːtoʊ/ /lɪˈɡɑːtəʊ/

Definition:

Smooth and connected musical notes without breaks between them.

Synonyms:

smooth, flowing, connected, uninterrupted

Part of Speech:

adjective, adverb, noun

Antonyms:

staccato, detached

Common Collocations:

legato passage, legato playing, legato technique

Derivatives:

legatissimo, legatoness

Usage Tips:

Use "legato" to describe music played smoothly without separation between notes.

Common Phrases:

play legato, sing legato, legato style

Etymology:

From Italian "legato," past participle of "legare," meaning "to bind."

Examples:

  • 1. The violinist played the melody in a beautiful legato style.
  • 2. She practiced the piano piece to achieve a perfect legato sound.
  • 3. Legato passages require careful control of breath for wind players.
  • 4. The singer’s voice flowed in a smooth legato during the aria.

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