Portato

Q: Woher kommt das Wort Portato?

Italian, past participle of *portare* (‘to carry’), from Latin *portare*. The implication is of ‘carrying’ each note across to the next.

/pɔːrˈtɑːtoʊ/por-TAH-toh

ArticulationItalian

Definition. Carried — notes are slightly separated but each given weight, between staccato and legato.

Detailed Explanation

Portato is a hybrid articulation between legato and staccato. The notes are played with their full duration (or nearly so) but slightly separated, each given a touch of emphasis. The effect is a connected line that nonetheless articulates each note distinctly.

Portato is indicated by a combination of slur and tenuto markings — a slur covering several notes, with each note also marked by a horizontal dash (tenuto line) underneath. The slur tells the performer to keep the line connected; the tenuto marks tell them to give each note its full weight and a slight emphasis.

The character is gentle but articulated, lyrical but defined. Each note has presence, but the line still flows. Portato is common in slow, expressive movements where the performer wants to articulate within a singing line.

Etymology

Italian, past participle of portare (‘to carry’), from Latin portare. The implication is of ‘carrying’ each note across to the next.

In Practice

Slightly separate each note — but only slightly. The line should still feel connected. Add a gentle weight to each note; the articulation is lyrical, not aggressive.

Notable Examples

Schumann — Various slow movements (extensive portato writing)
Brahms — Cello and viola sonatas (common portato in lyrical lines)

Related Terms

Legato Tenuto Mezzo-staccato

Opposite Of

Staccato Staccatissimo Marcato

Frequently Asked Questions

Was bedeutet Portato in der Musik?

Carried — notes are slightly separated but each given weight, between staccato and legato.

Woher kommt das Wort Portato?

Italian, past participle of portare (‘to carry’), from Latin portare. The implication is of ‘carrying’ each note across to the next.

Wie wird Portato in der Praxis ausgeführt?

Slightly separate each note — but only slightly. The line should still feel connected. Add a gentle weight to each note; the articulation is lyrical, not aggressive.