Which term is used to describe music played with a smooth and connected style?

Legato refers to a style of playing or singing where notes are played in a smooth and connected manner, without any noticeable breaks between them. This term highlights the importance of a fluid musical line, where each note transitions seamlessly into the next. When musicians perform legato, they often use techniques such as finger transitions on instruments or subtle breath control in vocal performance to achieve this smoothness.

In contrast, staccato involves playing notes in a detached manner, with each note sharply separated from the others. Marcato emphasizes a strongly accented style, while piano refers to a dynamic marking indicating that the music should be played softly. Each of these terms describes different articulations or dynamics in music, highlighting the unique characteristics and emotional qualities they bring to a performance.