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Legato – Definition
Legato is a musical articulation indicating that notes should be played smoothly and connected, with no noticeable gaps between them.
What is Legato?
The word legato is Italian for “connected.” In musical notation, legato is usually indicated by a slur placed above or below a group of notes. The performer aims to create a continuous, flowing musical line.
Legato can be achieved through finger technique, bowing, breath control, or other instrument-specific methods, depending on the instrument being played.
How is Legato used in piano playing?
On the piano, legato is primarily produced through careful finger technique, allowing one note to connect naturally to the next. The sustain pedal can support a legato sound, but pianists also develop finger legato to create smooth melodic lines without relying entirely on the pedal.
Mastering legato helps pianists perform expressive melodies, shape musical phrases, and develop greater control over tone and articulation.