Welcome back to the music theory series. Today we’re talking about lagato vs staccato. So what’s the difference?
The difference between legato and staccato lies in how the notes are played or sung:
• Legato means smooth and connected. Notes are played in a flowing manner without noticeable breaks between them. This creates a seamless, lyrical sound.
• Staccato means short and detached. Notes are played with a slight separation, creating a more percussive, choppy effect.
In sheet music, legato is often indicated by a slur (a curved line connecting notes), while staccato is marked with a dot above or below the notes.
If you think the words sound Italian then you are correct!
Yes, both legato and staccato are Italian words, as many musical terms come from Italian.
• Legato means “tied together” in Italian, reflecting the smooth, connected way the notes are played.
• Staccato means “detached” or “separated,” indicating the short, distinct articulation of the notes.
Italian became the dominant language for musical terminology during the Renaissance and Baroque periods when Italy was a major center of musical innovation.
So what are some examples of lagato and staccato in music?
Here are some examples of legato and staccato in music:
Legato Examples:
1. Claude Debussy – “Clair de Lune”
• This piece is filled with flowing, connected phrases that create a dreamy, smooth texture.
2. Franz Schubert – “Ave Maria”
• The vocal melody is sung in a continuous, legato style, giving it a seamless, lyrical quality.
3. Ludwig van Beethoven – “Moonlight Sonata” (1st Movement)
• The right-hand melody moves in a smooth, legato fashion, creating a haunting, expressive mood.
Staccato Examples:
1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” (1st Movement)
• The opening theme features distinct, short notes that give it a lively, energetic feel.
2. Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 (1st Movement)
• The famous “da-da-da-dum” motif is played in a bold, staccato style, making it powerful and dramatic.
3. Johann Strauss II – “The Blue Danube”
• While the waltz overall has a flowing feel, certain sections feature light, bouncy staccato notes.
What about in my own music?
My song “Gypsy” is a solo piano piece with a mix of both legato and staccato elements, creating a dynamic and expressive sound.
• The main melody often features legato phrasing, flowing smoothly from note to note, which gives the piece an emotional, wandering quality (fitting for the title “Gypsy”).
• At the same time, the left-hand accompaniment and certain rhythmic passages include staccato notes, adding energy, movement, and contrast.
Overall, the piece balances these two articulations to create a sense of motion and freedom, which is characteristic of my expressive, contemporary piano style.
Listen to Gypsy on Spotify
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Sheet Music available HERE
