Because they are so closely related, portamento and glissando are often mistaken for each other.
It can be challenging to tell portamento from glissando when you’re studying music and trying to understand the two. In this article, you’ll learn several quick tips to tell them apart.
Portamento and glissando are musical terms that describe techniques used to connect two pitches in a musical performance.
Although they are similar in nature, there are distinctions between them. Let’s explore each term and then compare them.
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Comparison Between the Portamento and Glissando
What is Portamento?
Portamento is an Italian term that means “carriage” or “carrying.” In music, portamento refers to a smooth and continuous glide or slide from one pitch to another.
It is achieved by smoothly transitioning between the starting pitch and the ending pitch without individually articulating the pitches in between.
The transition can be ascending or descending and can occur over a small or large interval.
Portamento is commonly used in vocal performances, particularly in opera singing. It adds expressiveness and emotional depth to the music.
What is Glissando?
Like portamento, glissando, an Italianized term, means “to glide ” and is derived from the French Glisser.
In music, glissando refers to a rapid and continuous movement across the pitches of a musical scale or notes.
It involves sliding the finger or a physical object along the length of a musical instrument.
This could be a piano, guitar, or trombone, to create a seamless transition between the starting and ending pitches.
Glissandos can be performed in various directions (upward or downward) and can cover a wide range of pitches.
They are often used as expressive effects in instrumental performances to create a dramatic or whimsical effect.
These terminologies can be confusing to anyone learning music. However, with practice, you will be able to comprehend their slight nuances and utilize them in various ways.
While both portamento and glissando involve a smooth transition between two pitches, there are notable differences between them:
Execution
Portamento is typically performed with vocals. Otherwise, glissando is performed on a specific instrument, such as a piano, guitar, or trombone.
Portamento is typically executed by smoothly transitioning between the starting and ending pitches without individually articulating the pitches in between.
Glissando, on the other hand, involves audibly articulating each pitch as the performer rapidly slides between them.
Speed
Portamento tends to be slower and more deliberate, allowing for a gradual glide between pitches.
Glissando, on the other hand, is typically performed quickly, creating a rapid slide across the pitches.
The rapid speed of glissando contributes to its dramatic and flashy character, making it a captivating effect in instrumental performances.
Portamento allows the performer to create a sense of fluidity and emotional depth as they connect the pitches; this enhances the expressiveness of the music.
Range
Portamento can cover both small and large intervals, depending on the musical context and the desired effect.
Glissando often covers a wider range of pitches, spanning several octaves or even the entire range of the instrument.
Musical Application
Portamento is commonly used in vocal performances, particularly in operatic singing. It adds emotional expression and connects melodic phrases seamlessly.
Glissando is often used as a decorative or dramatic effect in instrumental music. We have piano glissandos in jazz or guitar slides in rock music.
Articulation
Portamento focuses on creating a seamless connection between two pitches by smoothly gliding from one to the other.
The individual pitches within the glide are not articulated separately. In contrast, glissando involves a distinct and audible articulation of each pitch as the performer slides between them.
Notation
In musical notation, portamento is often indicated by a line or a slur connecting the starting and ending notes. It indicates that a smooth transition is desired.
Glissando, on the other hand, is typically represented by a wavy line. Otherwise, the word “gliss” is written above or below the notes to indicate the desired effect.
Instruments
Both techniques can be performed on a variety of instruments. Portamento is commonly associated with string instruments (such as violin or cello).
It could be associated with voice, where the performer can slide between pitches using their fingers or vocal cords.
Glissando, on the other hand, is often associated with instruments like piano, guitar, harp, or trombone.
Musical Context
Portamento is often employed in melodic passages to create a smooth and connected line. This allows the performer to navigate between notes with fluidity.
It is frequently used in legato phrases and expressive singing. Glissando, on the other hand, is often used as a specific effect or ornamentation within a piece of music.
It can be used to add drama, create tension, or provide a distinctive sound in certain passages.
Purpose
Portamento is typically used to create a sense of legato, fluidity, and emotional expression.
It aims to connect individual notes seamlessly, maintaining a sense of musical line and coherence.
It is commonly used in classical music, particularly in romantic and operatic compositions. Glissando, on the other hand, is often used for expressive or stylistic purposes.
It can create a dramatic or showy effect, evoke a sense of sliding or falling, or add a unique texture to the music.
It can create a sense of movement, excitement, or intensity and is commonly found in genres like jazz, blues, rock, and contemporary music.
What Are Some Examples of Glissando and Portamento?
These comparisons between portamento and glissando highlight their distinctions in terms of execution, notation, instruments, musical context, and intention.
Both techniques share some similarities in terms of sliding between pitches.
However, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different musical situations and effects.
To better under the difference between the two, here are some popular examples.
A good example of glissando is in “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin.
This orchestral composition showcases numerous instances of glissando across various instruments, including the clarinet and the piano.
These glissandos contribute to the sweeping and dynamic nature of the piece.
In “Moonlight Sonata” by Ludwig van Beethoven, the third movement of this famous piano sonata contains moments of portamento.
The pianist skillfully connects notes smoothly to create a flowing and expressive performance.
Another example is the energetic rock ‘n’ roll hit, “Great Balls of Fire”. Jerry Lee Lewis showcases his piano skills with rapid-fire glissandos up and down the keys.
This added a wild and exhilarating element to the performance.
Summary
Musicians themselves have a hard time distinguishing between these two elements. However, it is important to note the difference to play them properly.
Portamento and glissando are related techniques that involve sliding between pitches.
The former is primarily used in vocal performances, while glissando is more commonly associated with instrumental performances.
Portamento tends to be slower and covers a wide range of intervals. On the other hand, glissando is faster and often covers a broader pitch range.
Both techniques contribute to the expressiveness and ornamentation of music.
Glissando and portamento offer opportunities for artistic interpretation and personal expression.
Musicians and vocalists can apply these techniques in a variety of ways. They vary the speed, intensity, and duration of the slides to match the desired musical expression.
Once you understand them, you can use them to create distinctive sounds to come up with something new.
