Meaning of "Portando" in Music
In music, **portando** is a term that refers to a pitch sliding from one note to another. The term originated from the Italian expression "portamento della voce," which means "carriage of the voice." It was initially used to describe the sliding technique in vocal performances and was later adopted by members of the violin family and certain wind instruments. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with **anticipation** and is also applied to one type of glissando on instruments like slide trombones, as well as to the "glide" function of steel guitars and synthesizers. It is often used to add a melancholic effect to the overall melody.
The term "portato" is sometimes confused with "portando." "Portato" refers to a tenuto above a staccato mark or a slur that encompasses a phrase of tenuto notes. Some authorities define "portato" as "the same as portamento".
References:
A portamento for the voice, or to "carry" the sound from one note to another with a continuous slide.
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [French] port de voix
- [Italian] portamento
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