What is the definition of glissando in music?

In music, a glissando refers to a continuous slide from one pitch to another, which is most commonly executed by sliding a finger along the string of an instrument, especially string instruments like the violin or guitar. This technique allows musicians to create a smooth and fluid transition between notes, producing a unique sound that differs from the discrete pitches typically produced in standard playing.

While other options mention musical concepts, they do not accurately describe the specific technique of glissando. A quick succession of notes, for instance, refers to playing multiple notes in rapid sequence but does not entail sliding between pitches. Similarly, rapid alternation between pitches focuses on moving back and forth between distinct notes rather than a smooth slide. A drastic change in tempo talks about changes in speed, which is unrelated to pitch movement or sliding techniques in music. Thus, the definition of glissando as a left hand sliding along the string captures the essence of this expressive technique in musical performance.