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A slur is a symbol in Western musical notation indicating that the notes it embraces are to be played without separation (that is, with legato articulation).A slur is denoted with a curved line generally placed over the notes if the stems point downward, and under them if the stems point upwards.
Standard notation indicates legato either with the word legato, or by a slur (a curved line) under notes that form one legato group. Legato, like staccato , is a kind of articulation. There is an intermediate articulation called either mezzo staccato or non-legato (sometimes referred to as portato ).
String instruments use these methods to achieve different articulations, varying the speed, pressure, and angle of the bow or pick. Musicians use articulation to create a link between notes, such as legato. Legato is formed by letting the string vibrate without stopping or muting it so the note slurs with the consecutive ones.
[1] [4] Currently, portato is sometimes indicated in words, by "mezzo-staccato" or "non-legato"; or can be shown by three graphic forms: a slur that encompasses a phrase of staccato notes (the most common), or; a tenuto above a staccato mark (very often), or; a slur that encompasses a phrase of tenuto notes (less common). [5]
There was, therefore, a difference of opinion between these two very distinguished singing masters of the 19th century as to the meaning of portamento, and its relation to the legato and the musical slur. It reflected not merely a distinction of terminology but divergent understandings of a fundamental aspect of singing technique.
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This probably could be explained somewhere, but a slur and a legato are not essentially the same thing. Legato is a technique while a slur is a marking. On bowed stringed instruments for example a slur just means one bow stroke, that bow stroke can be legato or not. Upbow staccato, hooked bowing or even spiccato can be notated under a slur.