Non-Legato Touch

Various Forms

There are many variations of non-legato touch. As the time (silence) taken between tones approaches zero and we move towards a true legato, the terms “leggiero” or articulate legato are often used. As the break between tones grows larger, the terms “non-legato,” “portato,” or “marcato” may be applied.

The precise point at which some form of non-legato becomes staccato is not universally established. It is generally understood, however, that all of the various forms of non-legato touch fall somewhere between staccato and legato.