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How is leggero played?
The performer lightens the playing so it feels buoyant and agile, with little weight behind each note, a quick, unforced attack, and an airy rather than heavy tone. It governs touch and texture rather than tempo, suiting rapid, fleet passagework that should sound effortless and unlaboured. The word is traditionally spelled leggiero but appears as leggero in modern Italian, and its related forms (leggermente 'lightly,' leggerezza 'lightness') share the same idea. It is the opposite of a heavy, pressed, or weighty delivery.
How does leggero sound?
A delicate, nimble sound that feels airy and quick, with notes brushed lightly rather than pressed.
In context
The glossary defines leggiero (also leggiermente) as 'Light or lightly,' noting that modern Italian drops the i (leggero, leggermente, leggerezza). The term concerns lightness of touch and texture, the antithesis of heavy or weighted playing.