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.
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.