What musical instruction would likely suggest a smooth connection of notes?

The instruction that suggests a smooth connection of notes is legato. This term indicates that musicians should play the notes in a connected manner, without any perceptible breaks or gaps in between. The result is a flowing, cohesive sound that enhances the lyrical quality of the music.

Legato often requires specific techniques, such as using slurs in written music, which indicate to the performer that a series of notes should be played without interruption. This contrasts with staccato, which instructs performers to play notes sharply and detached. Marcato implies a marked or emphasized style of playing, leading to a more pronounced separation between notes. A tempo is a term that refers to the speed of a piece and does not directly affect the smoothness of the note connections. Understanding these definitions can help clarify why legato is the choice that embodies the concept of smoothness in musical performance.