sopportato

Sopportato is a musical articulation marking used to indicate a light, semi-detached tone within a legato phrase. In performance, it guides the performer to articulate each note with subtle separation while preserving the overall melodic line.

Notation and interpretation vary. Sopportato is commonly realized by notes under a slur that bear staccato dots or tenuto marks, producing a mezzo-staccato or portato effect. In many modern scores the term is notated as sopportato, but editors often treat it as synonymous with portato or mezzo-staccato, describing the same delicate balance between legato and separation.

Usage and context. The marking appears in Italianate notation and is encountered in Classical and Romantic repertoire, among other periods. The exact execution depends on tempo, style, and the composer’s intent; the aim is a controlled, lightly detached articulation rather than a fully detached staccato or a smooth, unbroken legato.

Etymology and notes. The term derives from Italian, reflecting an instruction to sustain or lightly bear the melodic line while lightly separating notes. Because terminology varies by editor and era, performers should consult the specific edition for guidance. Related articulations include portato and mezzo-staccato, which describe a similar half-detached effect within a legato context.