allargando

adverb/adjective

Meaning

A musical instruction to gradually slow the tempo while increasing the volume and breadth of the performance.

Examples

  • The composer marked the final measures with an allargando to emphasize the weight of the closing chords.
  • The violinist played the passage with an allargando, allowing the melody to resonate more fully.

Synonyms: broaden, slowing, ritardando, rallentando