legato

adverb or adjective

le·ga·to | \ li-ˈgä-(ˌ)tō

How to pronounce legato (audio)

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Definition of legato

(Entry 1 of 2)

: in a manner that is smooth and connected (as between successive tones) —used especially as a direction in music

legato

Definition of legato (Entry 2 of 2)

: a smooth and connected manner of performance (as of music) also : a passage of music so performed

Examples of legato in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Soltani’s luscious legato tone in the short, slow introduction to the third movement was capped by an exuberant finale. — Washington Post, "The bar was set high for Austrian cellist Kian Soltani, and his latest recital delivered," 23 Jan. 2020 Elsewhere, Kang Wollett spun out long, legato solos in the Largo by Ives, making the dark romanticism sing. — Tim Diovanni, Dallas News, "Clarinet trio shines in opening concert at Dallas’ Basically Beethoven Festival," 12 July 2019 The Tanglewood reception wasn’t extravagant, even though his encore, the Chopin Nocturne in C-sharp minor, showed Lang Lang’s filigree legato at its very best. — David Patrick Stearns, Philly.com, "Lang Lang's recovery: Will he ever play in Philly again?," 12 July 2018 Jones played the demanding solo part with apparent ease, beauty of tone and, in the Andante, a lovely feel for legato playing, turning a fairly standard-issue slow movement into a noble aria. — Zachary Lewis, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Orchestra's 'Prometheus Project' gets off to fiery start: review," 11 May 2018 Scott Hostetler traced a melting legato line in the famous English horn solo of the largo, although Muti’s easing the pace later in the slow movement threatened to stifle forward impetus. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Review: John Malkovich's wan narration disappoints in CSO reading of 'Lincoln Portrait'," 13 Apr. 2018 Gerstein’s descending figures might have managed the smoothest legato in the business, and Hagen faced the great stretch of tumult in the first movement with absolute clarity and composure. — Peter Dobrin, Philly.com, "Clemens Hagen and Kirill Gerstein take on Beethoven at Kimmel," 22 Mar. 2018 Her Azucena is a creation of soaring high notes, fluttering trills, seductive legato, chilling low tones. — Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, "Review: A Surprise Star Steals the Met’s ‘Il Trovatore’," 23 Jan. 2018 From my seat the balance favored Ma's fulsome tone by a slight margin; Ax's legato playing sounded a bit watery even with the lid on his Steinway fully opened. — Richard S. Ginell, latimes.com, "Yo-Yo Ma, Leonidas Kavakos and Emanuel Ax: Brahms all-stars at Disney Hall," 5 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'legato.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Legato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legato. Accessed 11 Jul. 2020.

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