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What is legato playing on the piano?

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Legato playing on the piano involves producing a smooth and connected sound by linking the notes together seamlessly. In legato, there is minimal or no separation between consecutive notes, and the overall effect is a flowing, uninterrupted musical line. Achieving legato requires specific techniques...
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Legato playing on the piano involves producing a smooth and connected sound by linking the notes together seamlessly. In legato, there is minimal or no separation between consecutive notes, and the overall effect is a flowing, uninterrupted musical line. Achieving legato requires specific techniques and considerations to create a seamless connection between the played notes. Here are some guidelines on how to play legato on the piano:

1. Finger Technique:

  • Finger Sliding:

    • Practice smoothly sliding your fingers from one key to the next without lifting them entirely. This involves a continuous motion to connect the notes.
  • Finger Weight:

    • Use the weight of your fingers to produce a full sound. Allow the fingers to sink into the keys, maintaining a sense of connection between each note.

2. Hand and Wrist Movement:

  • Smooth Hand Transitions:

    • Work on transitioning between hand positions without disrupting the flow of the music. Keep the hand movements fluid.
  • Wrist Flexibility:

    • Maintain flexibility in your wrists. A supple wrist allows for smooth transitions between different hand positions and facilitates legato playing.

3. Finger and Key Interaction:

  • Avoid Heavy Key Strikes:

    • Legato requires a gentle touch. Avoid striking the keys too heavily, as this can result in a staccato or disjointed sound.
  • Controlled Release:

    • Release each key with control. Lift your fingers only as much as necessary to allow the keys to rebound, maintaining a connection between the notes.

4. Finger Independence:

  • Develop Finger Independence:
    • Practice exercises that enhance finger independence. This allows you to control each finger individually, contributing to a more even legato.

5. Pedal Usage:

  • Selective Pedaling:
    • Use the sustain pedal judiciously to enhance legato playing. The pedal can help connect notes and create a more resonant sound. However, avoid excessive pedal use, as it can blur the music.

6. Phrasing:

  • Musical Phrasing:
    • Pay attention to the phrasing of the music. Understand where phrases begin and end, and aim to maintain a smooth, connected sound within each phrase.

7. Listening and Expression:

  • Listening Skills:
    • Listen actively to the sound you produce. Strive for a cohesive and expressive legato, adapting your playing based on the mood and character of the music.

8. Slow Practice:

  • Gradual Tempo Increase:
    • Begin practicing legato passages at a slow tempo, focusing on achieving a smooth connection between notes. Gradually increase the tempo as you build control and confidence.

9. Use of Arm Weight:

  • Arm Weight Transfer:
    • Transfer the weight of your arm between notes to create a continuous and connected sound. Allow the arm to guide the fingers smoothly across the keys.

Legato playing is an essential skill for pianists, and it adds a beautiful and expressive quality to music. As with any piano technique, consistent and mindful practice is key to developing a refined legato touch.

 
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