Legato

Definition

Legato is a musical term that means to play or sing notes in a smooth, connected manner, without any noticeable breaks between them. This technique emphasizes a fluid transition from one note to the next, creating a seamless and lyrical quality in the music. In the context of Romantic Lieder and Art Song, legato is particularly important as it enhances emotional expression and helps convey the nuances of the text being sung.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Legato is often indicated in sheet music by a curved line connecting the notes, known as a slur, signaling performers to play those notes smoothly.
2. In Romantic Lieder, legato is crucial for interpreting the emotional depth of the lyrics, allowing singers to convey feelings like longing or sadness effectively.
3. Many composers of the Romantic era, such as Schubert and Schumann, utilized legato to create beautiful, flowing melodies that are signature elements of their art songs.
4. Vocalists need to have good breath control and technique to execute legato passages smoothly without breaking the line of melody.
5. Legato playing can also be applied to instrumental music, where string players often use techniques like bowing or finger placement to achieve a smooth sound.

Review Questions

• How does legato contribute to the emotional expression found in Romantic Lieder?
  • Legato enhances emotional expression in Romantic Lieder by allowing singers to connect notes seamlessly, reflecting the lyrical qualities of the text. This smoothness helps convey deep feelings such as love or sorrow more effectively than detached singing. The ability to execute legato well can transform a performance, making it more engaging for listeners and allowing them to feel the sentiments embedded in the song.
• Discuss the relationship between legato and phrasing in the performance of art songs.
  • Legato and phrasing are closely linked in the performance of art songs as both work together to shape musical lines and express emotions. Phrasing involves how musicians interpret sections of music, while legato provides the smooth connections necessary within those phrases. Effective use of legato can enhance phrasing by creating longer musical lines that flow naturally, thus enriching the overall performance and emotional impact.
• Evaluate the role of legato in different musical contexts and how it influences performance techniques across genres.
  • Legato plays a significant role across various musical contexts, influencing performance techniques in genres ranging from classical to contemporary music. In classical singing and instrumental performances, achieving legato requires specific techniques like breath control for vocalists or bowing methods for string players. Conversely, in genres like jazz or pop, legato may be less emphasized but still contributes to stylistic interpretations. Understanding how legato functions in different settings helps musicians adapt their playing style while maintaining expressiveness and connection with their audience.

Related terms

Staccato: A musical articulation that indicates notes should be played or sung in a short, detached manner, contrasting with the smoothness of legato.

Phrasing: The way musicians shape a sequence of notes in a piece of music, which often involves using techniques like legato to convey emotion and meaning.

Dynamics: The variations in loudness and intensity in music, which can complement legato passages to enhance expressiveness in performance.