glissare

Glissare is the Italian verb meaning to glide or slide. In music, it denotes the glissando, a continuous glide from one pitch to another, typically executed in a single gesture. The term glissando, used internationally, derives from the Italian verb glissare.

Notation and usage: In scores, glissando is indicated by the abbreviation gliss. or by a diagonal or wavy line connecting two notes. The exact number of intermediate pitches is often left unspecified, leaving the performer to determine the glide’s speed and extent.

Performance by instrument: On string instruments, the effect is produced by sliding the finger along the string while varying bowing or pressure. On keyboard instruments such as the piano, a glissando is achieved by sweeping the hand or forearm across the keys to produce a rapid sequence of pitches, typically chromatic or diatonic. Guitarists can perform a glissando by sliding the fretting hand or using a slide; on the harp, a glissando is created by sliding the hand across the strings. In electronic or synthesized music, glissando can be implemented as a continuous pitch ramp controlled by the instrument or software.

Context and distinctions: Glissando generally implies a continuous change in pitch, whereas portamento refers to a glide between notes that may be more discrete or expressive, often used in vocal music. Glissando can be chromatic (semitone steps) or diatonic (stepwise within a scale), depending on musical context and performer's choice.