Legato

Musical Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Legato means smooth and connected, with notes or syllables performed without breaks.

Detailed Definition
In poetry, legato refers to fluid, seamless phrasing where words and sounds flow continuously, often through enjambment or vowel linking. It creates a singing quality, ideal for lyrical or romantic expression. Borrowed from instrumental and vocal technique, legato softens transitions and enhances euphony. Poets use it to evoke tenderness or continuity. Its literary significance is in promoting musical smoothness that soothes the ear and mind, contrasting staccato sharpness. Legato enriches verse by mimicking vocal warmth, allowing language to glide like a sustained breath and heightening the sensual, connected experience of reading or reciting poetry.
Example
Example in poetry:
Legato creates smooth flow through enjambment and vowel linking: "words legato glided from her lips, connected in one unbroken song of longing."; Contrasts staccato for tender or continuous expression in lyric poetry.; Educational: students link sentences legato by removing pauses for singing quality.; Legato enhances euphony in romantic or nature verse.; Poets use it to mimic vocal warmth and sustained breath.; Performance benefits from legato phrasing for fluid recitation.
Additional Notes
Legato promotes smooth, connected flow without breaks, using enjambment and vowel linking for singing quality and tenderness. Tip: minimize punctuation for continuous phrasing in lyrical sections. Contrasts staccato. Students practice legato by linking sentences fluidly. It enhances euphony and mimics sustained vocal breath. In performance, legato aids fluid recitation. Legato deepens sensual connection, allowing language to glide warmly and heightening poetry's vocal, unbroken musicality.
Also Known As
smooth connection bound notes flowing line
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