Which term denotes a light, nimble style, sometimes not strictly legato?

• A. Legato
• B. Largo
• C. Leggiero
• D. Lento

Answer: (C)

This marking asks you to shape the line with a light, nimble character. The term leggiero literally calls for a delicate, buoyant touch—bright air, quick phrasing, and a sense of liveliness. It often allows a touch of separation between notes rather than a fully smooth, overlapping legato, giving the music a sprightly, jaunty feel while still keeping the line moving.

Legato emphasizes smoothness and connectedness, so it would push you toward a continuous, uninterrupted line rather than a light, quick character. Largo and lento designate slow tempos with broad, expansive weight, which is the opposite of light and nimble. So the best fit for a light, agile style, sometimes not strictly legato, is leggiero.