Glissando

A glissando (Italian, from French glisser, to slide) is a musical gesture that involves sliding continuously from one pitch to another. It can be achieved in different ways depending on the instrument.

The term is often abbreviated as gliss.

Characteristics and Performance:

The primary characteristic of a glissando is the continuous, unbroken transition between two notes. This is distinct from a scale or arpeggio, where individual notes are clearly articulated. The perception of a glissando relies on the aural blur created by the rapid succession of pitches.

The notes defining the start and end points of the glissando are typically defined, though the intervening pitches may or may not be clearly defined depending on the instrument and the desired effect. On instruments like the trombone or slide guitar, the performer has considerable control over the pitches heard within the glissando. On instruments like the piano or harp, the notes heard within the glissando are largely determined by the scale or chord that is being traversed.

Instrument-Specific Techniques:

• Piano: On the piano, a glissando is typically executed by sliding a fingernail or the side of a finger across the keys. Diatonic glissandos (using only white keys or only black keys) are common, but chromatic glissandos are also possible, though more difficult to execute.

• Harp: On the harp, a glissando involves quickly running a finger across the strings. Because the harp's pedals control the pitches of the strings, a glissando on the harp typically produces a diatonic scale or a chord.

• Trombone: The trombone is particularly well-suited for glissandos, as the slide allows for a continuous alteration of pitch.

• String Instruments: On bowed string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass), a glissando is typically achieved by sliding a finger along the string while bowing.

• Voice: A vocal glissando (also known as a portamento) involves sliding smoothly between two pitches.

Notation:

In musical notation, a glissando is typically indicated by a diagonal line connecting two notes. The abbreviation "gliss." may also be included. Sometimes the type of scale to be used in the glissando (e.g., chromatic, diatonic) will be indicated.