Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

portamento

noun

/pɔːrˈtɑː.men.toʊ/

Definition

A musical term that refers to a smooth, gliding transition from one note to another.

Examples

During the performance, the singer used portamento to add expressiveness to the melody.
The violinist demonstrated remarkable skill with portamento between the notes.
In jazz, portamento can enhance the emotional quality of a solo.

Meaning

The word portamento is derived from Italian, meaning ‘carrying’. It describes the technique of sliding smoothly between pitches, especially used in vocal and instrumental music to create a seamless melodic line.