Which term describes playing in a smooth, connected manner?

• A. Legato
• B. Sforzando
• C. Unison
• D. Giusto

Answer: (A)

Legato describes playing in a smooth, connected manner. In a legato line, notes flow into one another with little or no audible breaks, creating a continuous, singing line. Achieve this by sustaining sound across notes, keeping air or bow pressure flowing, and using slurs or the sustain pedal to avoid re-articulating each note. On strings, use a continuous bow stroke to connect notes; on winds, maintain air and use a legato articulation approach; on keyboards, rely on the pedal or deliberate finger legato to blend pitches. This idea of a connected phrase is what gives music its seamless, lyrical quality, as opposed to detached or separated notes. Other terms described here have different meanings: sforzando is a sudden strong accent, unison means players sharing the same pitch, and giusto refers to correct tempo or tuning, not the connection of notes.