Definition: A legato creates a smooth, slurred effect on notes, leaving no audible spaces between them. The symbol for legato is a curved line written above or below a series of notes (depending on their location on the staff), and connects two or more notes of different pitch.
(Not to be confused with a tie, which connects two or more of the same notes.)
(Not to be confused with a tie, which connects two or more of the same notes.)
- Because of the way the piano is played, each note inside a legato must be struck individually. However, when playing other instruments – such as a woodwind or a guitar – only the first note in the series will be struck.
Also Known As:
More Musical Terms:
- slur
- notes liées; liaison (Fr)
- gebunden; Bindebogen (Ger)
More Musical Terms:
