Which term means a smooth, connected style across notes?

Which term means a smooth, connected style across notes?

• A. Legato
• B. Slur
• C. Marcato
• D. Staccato

Answer: (A)

Legato is the term for a smooth, connected articulation where notes flow into one another with no perceptible gap. In performance, you shape the line so the transition between pitches is seamless—notes are sustained and phrased as a single, flowing melody. On strings, this is achieved with a continuous bowing or overlapping fingers; on piano, through careful finger legato connections; in singing, with a warm, even line without breaks. The other terms describe different ideas: a slur marks phrasing or connection across notes but isn’t itself the performance directive; marcato means played with emphasis and a strong attack; staccato means short and detached. So legato best captures the idea of a smooth, connected style across notes.

Legato is the term for a smooth, connected articulation where notes flow into one another with no perceptible gap. In performance, you shape the line so the transition between pitches is seamless—notes are sustained and phrased as a single, flowing melody. On strings, this is achieved with a continuous bowing or overlapping fingers; on piano, through careful finger legato connections; in singing, with a warm, even line without breaks. The other terms describe different ideas: a slur marks phrasing or connection across notes but isn’t itself the performance directive; marcato means played with emphasis and a strong attack; staccato means short and detached. So legato best captures the idea of a smooth, connected style across notes.