Ben legato

As Printed on a Score

Printed below or above the staff at the start of a passage, often without slurs over every phrase; it lasts until a contrary articulation (staccato, non legato) appears.

How Composers Use It

Ben legato asks for an especially smooth connection — no gaps between notes, with finger legato and pedal in piano music and seamless bow changes in strings. Use it where slurs alone would be impractical over long passages or would suggest breaks you do not want; the words cover the passage without cluttering it.

Example

Clara Schumann, “Sie liebten sich beide”, Op. 13 No. 2, piano, m. 1: “ben legato” at p, under the heading “Nicht schnell”.

Related Terms