Glissando
A glissando is a smooth and graceful slide in music. Imagine playing a piano and gently running your fingers across the keys from the lowest note to the highest note, or vice versa, in one swift motion. That beautiful continuous sound you create is a glissando. It’s like sliding your finger along the string of a harp, or using a violin bow to glide from one pitch to another.
The word “glissando” comes from the Italian word “glissare,” which means “to slide.” And that’s exactly what it is – a musical slide that connects two notes smoothly, without any distinct stops or separate pitches in between.
Different instruments can produce glissandos in their own unique ways. For example, on the piano, you simply use your fingers to glide from one key to another. On string instruments like the violin or cello, you achieve a glissando by sliding your finger along the string. Meanwhile, on the trombone or slide guitar, it involves moving a slide to change the length of the tubing or the string, creating that smooth transition between pitches.
Glissandos have been used by composers for centuries to express different moods and feelings in their music. Sometimes, they can evoke a sense of nostalgia or sadness, while other times they bring a feeling of excitement and thrill. In movies or cartoons, you might have heard glissandos accompanying a comical or dramatic scene, adding an extra touch of emotion or humour.
So what’s this site all about anyway?
Well, if you ever find yourself needing music for anything – a YouTube video, a podcast, a school project, a presentation, TV commercial or even a film – then browse, preview and download any of our tracks
3 x length variations
MP3 files (320kpbs)
Readme PDF