What Does Staccato And Legato Mean?

Question

What Does Staccato And Legato Mean?

8 Answers

Answer Question

Answer 1

Staccato: Is when a note is played fast sudden, sharp
Legato: Is when a not is played for a long time, held down

Answer 2

The terms staccato and legato are especially used in relation to music. Staccato has originated from a word meaning detach. Legato has stemmed from a word meaning bind or tie together. They are exact opposites of each other. Both staccato and legato can be used as an adjective, noun or adverb. Something that is marked by or is made up of sudden and hasty parts or sounds is referred to as staccato. Something that is smooth or even in style without sudden disconnections between notes is addressed as legato.

For example: staccato octaves and legato octaves. Staccato octaves are cut short hastily and one can notice such abrupt change in music. The legato octaves are smooth flowing and have evenly separated notes. There is no interval or detachment between notes.

Answer 3

Staccato is a type of bowing [in strings/orchestra] that is sharp and detached. Between these notes is a short pause; somewhat like a jerk; but you should still have control over your bow. In music it is usually represented with a dot over or under the note. (Also known as the martele bowing) - crisp.
Hope this helped.

Answer 4

The notes are played sharply and with no sustain.

Answer 5

Meta Forrest answered

Staccato means to pluck the strings rather than strum them

Answer 6

Anonymous answered

A note with a dot ontop

Answer 7

A Staccato means that the musical note is to be played or sung short and quickly and not to be held out.

Answer 8

The word staccato has its origin in Old French and is taken from the word destachier which mean to detach. Later, it was adapted by French as destacher. Then, in Italian it was altered as staccare (to detach). Staccato is an adjective and is used in relation to music. It describes music that is considered to be detached or cut short. For example: staccato octaves. It indicates that the musical octaves were shortened abruptly.

Something that is marked by or is made up of sudden and hasty parts or sounds is referred to as staccato. For example: a staccato applause. It implies that the applause was a quick and disconnected. Such abrupt and disconnected manner or sound is termed staccato. As an adverb, it means 'separating the notes'. For example: he played it staccato.