What does "legato" mean in music performance?

In music performance, "legato" refers to a technique characterized by a smooth and connected style of singing or playing. When musicians perform legato, they aim to create a seamless transition between notes, ensuring that each note flows into the next without any noticeable breaks or interruptions. This style adds expressiveness and fluidity to the music, allowing the performer to convey emotion more effectively.

The legato technique is often achieved through careful control of breath in singing or by using the appropriate bowing or finger techniques in instrumental performance. This smoothness contrasts with more detached styles, where notes are played with clear separations, leading to a very different musical effect. The term "legato" itself comes from the Italian word meaning "tied together," which aptly describes the style it represents in performance.