legato (It.). Bound together. Perf. of mus. so that there is no perceptible pause between notes, i.e. in a smooth manner, the opposite of staccato. Indicated by slur or curved line. On str. instrs., legato passages are played with one stroke of the bow; in vocal mus., the legato passage is sung in one breath. Legato touch in pf. playing requires holding down one key until the finger is on another. Superlative is legatissimo.