Final answer:
Legato is the term for a melody that moves by small intervals in a connected style, creating a smooth, fluid sound. This technique is essential for expressing different emotions in music.
Step-by-step explanation:
A melody that moves by small intervals in a connected style is called legato. In legato, each note is smoothly connected to the next, creating a fluid and continuous sound. This style contrasts with staccato, where notes are played in a short, detached manner. Understanding the use of legato can enhance the emotional impact of music, as it often conveys a sense of calmness or fluidity, much like in a film where the music sets the mood for a scene.
Throughout musical history, from the Renaissance period's focus on the third intervals to the development of polyphony and the eventual emergence of tonality, the use of specific intervals and melodic movement has been key in expressing emotion and character in music. This highlights the importance of legato and other techniques in the composition of music.