Understanding Legato and Tenuto in Music

When delving into the nuances of music notation and performance, two terms frequently come up: legato and tenuto. These terms play a crucial role in interpreting how notes should be played, contributing significantly to the overall expression and style of a piece of music. Let's explore what these terms mean and how they differ.

What is Legato in Music?

Legato is derived from the Italian word meaning "bound together" or "smoothly." It is a technique used to connect notes in a musical phrase, creating a seamless flow and continuity. When a musician plays legato, the notes are played with a smooth, connected sound, with no perceptible breaks between them.

Definition: Legato means to play notes smoothly and connectedly. Notation: It is often indicated by a slur, a curved line connecting the notes. Effect: The emphasis is on fluidity and continuity, creating a seamless musical line.

What is Tenuto in Music?

Tenuto is another Italian term that translates to "held" or "sustained." It refers to the practice of holding notes for their full value or slightly longer than usual, often with a slight emphasis. This term can imply a smooth, connected sound but does not necessarily mean that the notes are linked.

Definition: Tenuto means to hold a note for its full value or slightly longer with a slight emphasis. Notation: It is indicated by a horizontal line, placed above or below the note. Effect: The focus is on sustaining each note, giving it weight and presence, but not necessarily connecting it to the next note as in legato.

Key Differences Between Legato and Tenuto

While both legato and tenuto contribute to musical expression, they serve different purposes in interpretation and performance. Understanding these distinctions is vital for musicians to accurately convey the composer's intent.

Legato is often seen as a style of playing that can apply to entire pieces or specific phrases, whereas tenuto is more of an articulation that can apply to individual notes or groups of notes within a piece. While legato focuses on the relationship between notes, tenuto emphasizes the sustain and weight of a single note.

In some cases, both legato and tenuto indications may appear together in a piece. This combination can create a phrase that is both smooth and sustained but still maintains a certain rhythmic integrity and intensity. For example, if you have legato indication with tenuto marks, the result is a phrase where every note is connected but drawn out for its full value, creating a somewhat ponderous yet cohesive sound.

Practical Application of Legato and Tenuto

Music legato is often found in romantic and lyrical pieces, where the emphasis is on emotional expression and fluidity. It is particularly prevalent in works by composers like Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Liszt. On the other hand, tenuto is more commonly used in baroque and classical music, where a clear and distinct articulation is important.

Musicians often need to interpret these terms flexibly. For instance, it is possible to play a single note tenuto by itself, but legato requires at least two notes to achieve its effect. This interaction between notes and their sound quality is what gives music its rich and varied texture.

Conclusion

Accurately interpreting legato and tenuto is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of music notation and performance. By mastering these techniques, musicians can enhance the expressive qualities of their performances, bridging the gap between notated score and the emotional experience of the listener.