What does "legato" indicate in music performance?

In music performance, "legato" refers to the articulation of notes in a manner that is smooth and connected. When musicians are instructed to play or sing legato, they should ensure that there are no noticeable gaps or breaks between the notes. This creates a flowing, seamless sound that is characteristic of legato passages. Achieving proper legato involves controlling breath support and phrasing for vocalists, or using techniques such as finger transitions and bowing styles for instrumentalists.

This smoothness contrasts distinctly with staccato, where notes are played short and detached. Other choices provided, such as those indicating a fast tempo or emphasizing each note, do not align with the definition of legato, as they suggest a more fragmented and less connected sound. Similarly, a type of musical pause or rest focuses on silence rather than the continuity that legato seeks to establish. Understanding legato is essential for developing expressive musical phrasing, emphasizing the emotional impact of the performance.