Legato
adjective
In music, legato means a style where you play or sing notes smoothly connected. There is no noticeable break between the notes.
The violinist played the piece in a smooth legato style.
Often appears as...
- play in legato
- sing legato
Usage tips
Technical
adverb
When a musician performs legato, they play or sing the notes smoothly connected with no breaks.
The cellist performed the composition legato, as per the composer's instructions.
Often appears as...
- play legato
- sing legato
Usage tips
Technical
adjective
In music, legato means a style where you play or sing notes smoothly connected. There is no noticeable break between the notes.
The violinist played the piece in a smooth legato style.
Often appears as...
- play in legato
- sing legato
Usage tips
Technical
adverb
When a musician performs legato, they play or sing the notes smoothly connected with no breaks.
The cellist performed the composition legato, as per the composer's instructions.
Often appears as...
- play legato
- sing legato
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Musical Connection
Legato indicates seamless transitions in music, suggesting a flowing motion without interruptions.
Notice how the pianist's legato playing makes the melody sound like a single continuous line.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Staccato
Legato is the opposite of staccato, which means notes are played in a short, detached manner.
The opposite of the trumpet’s staccato blasts is the smooth legato of the saxophone.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Expression
Legato often conveys a sense of calmness or fluidity in music, evoking different emotions than choppy sounds.
Her legato singing gave the lullaby a soothing quality.
Pro Tip 1/3Musical Connection
Legato indicates seamless transitions in music, suggesting a flowing motion without interruptions.
Notice how the pianist's legato playing makes the melody sound like a single continuous line.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Staccato
Legato is the opposite of staccato, which means notes are played in a short, detached manner.
The opposite of the trumpet’s staccato blasts is the smooth legato of the saxophone.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Expression
Legato often conveys a sense of calmness or fluidity in music, evoking different emotions than choppy sounds.
Her legato singing gave the lullaby a soothing quality.
Pro Tip 1/3Musical Connection
Legato indicates seamless transitions in music, suggesting a flowing motion without interruptions.
Notice how the pianist's legato playing makes the melody sound like a single continuous line.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Staccato
Legato is the opposite of staccato, which means notes are played in a short, detached manner.
The opposite of the trumpet’s staccato blasts is the smooth legato of the saxophone.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Expression
Legato often conveys a sense of calmness or fluidity in music, evoking different emotions than choppy sounds.
Her legato singing gave the lullaby a soothing quality.
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Quote examples
Allan Holdsworth
British Musician
When I first started playing, I plunked away just like everyone else. During the Sixties I played in a blues band for a few years, and I liked it. It wasn't until I was playing for a while that I made the decision to change my style from a percussive to more of a legato approach. I just wanted a different sound.
Quote examples
Joshua Henry
American Actor
I remember when I was rehearsing 'Scottsboro Boys,' I was in 'American Idiot,' so, every night, I was screaming, singing these high, belty Cs and Ds, and then, during the day, I would be doing these legato lines - I am very lucky that I have had the training that I have so that I could handle all of that.
Quote examples
Joe Bonamassa
American Musician
I don't have any legato skills; I could never figure out how to roll the notes off.
Quote examples
Allan Holdsworth
British Musician
When I first started playing, I plunked away just like everyone else. During the Sixties I played in a blues band for a few years, and I liked it. It wasn't until I was playing for a while that I made the decision to change my style from a percussive to more of a legato approach. I just wanted a different sound.
Quote examples
Joshua Henry
American Actor
I remember when I was rehearsing 'Scottsboro Boys,' I was in 'American Idiot,' so, every night, I was screaming, singing these high, belty Cs and Ds, and then, during the day, I would be doing these legato lines - I am very lucky that I have had the training that I have so that I could handle all of that.
Quote examples
Joe Bonamassa
American Musician
I don't have any legato skills; I could never figure out how to roll the notes off.
Example 1 of 3
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