Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ritardando
adverb
/ˌriːtɑːrˈdændoʊ/
Definition
A direction in music indicating to gradually slow down the tempo.
Examples
- The conductor called for a ritardando to emphasize the emotional climax of the piece.
- As the music approached the end, a gentle ritardando added to the feeling of resolution.
Meaning
Ritardando is used in musical notation to signal performers to decrease their speed, creating a more expressive quality in the performance.
Synonyms
- slowing down
- decelerando
