What is the meaning of "legato" in music?

The term "legato" in music refers to the technique of playing or singing notes smoothly and connectedly. When musicians perform a passage legato, they connect each note without any noticeable breaks or gaps between them, creating a flowing and lyrical sound. This style is often used to convey emotion and richness in musical phrases, making the music sound more expressive.

In contrast to legato, playing notes in a detached manner would be considered staccato, which emphasizes separation between notes. Therefore, the idea of playing loudly and aggressively or focusing on rhythm variations does not align with the definition of legato, as those concepts typically involve different interpretations of dynamic and rhythmic expression. Thus, understanding legato is essential for achieving the intended emotional effect in a piece of music.