Legato
When we listen to music, we often notice how some melodies flow seamlessly, creating a sense of continuity and grace. This smooth and connected musical flow is often achieved through a technique called “legato”. Legato is an Italian musical term that means “tied together”, and it refers to the way musicians play or sing notes in a manner that is smooth and connected, without any noticeable gaps or breaks between the sounds.
Imagine drawing a line with a pencil on a piece of paper without lifting it; that continuous line is analogous to legato in music. When a musician plays legato, they aim to produce a series of notes that blend together like a beautiful, flowing river, without distinct interruptions or choppiness.
In written music, you may see the instruction “legato” marked above the notes or represented by a curved line called a “legato slur.” This slur indicates that the notes beneath it should be played or sung smoothly, with each note flowing into the next without a pause. Sometimes, musicians might also encounter phrases like “play legato” or “perform with legato touch,” which mean to apply this connected style to the music.
To achieve legato, musicians often use specific techniques based on their instrument:
For String Instruments (Violin, Cello, etc.): Players use their bow to maintain continuous and controlled strokes across the strings. They carefully transition from one note to the next without any noticeable separation between the pitches.
For Wind Instruments (Flute, Saxophone, etc.): Musicians use their breath and embouchure (mouth position) to produce smooth transitions between notes. They maintain a steady airflow, making the notes flow together.
For Keyboard Instruments (Piano, Organ, etc.): Pianists and organists use their fingers to connect the notes smoothly. They often pay attention to their finger movement, ensuring that there are no sudden breaks in sound as they move from one key to another.
For Vocalists: Singers focus on maintaining a consistent airflow and vocal resonance as they progress from one note to the next. They also use subtle changes in vocal techniques to achieve seamless transitions.
Legato is an essential element of musical expression, as it adds depth and emotion to a piece. While legato is common in many classical compositions, it appears in various musical genres, including jazz, pop, and rock.
In contrast, the opposite of legato is “staccato,” where notes are intentionally played or sung with brief and detached spaces between them, creating a more percussive and spiky effect.
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