ritenuto
/ˌrɪtəˈnuːtoʊ/
adverb
- In music, a direction to play a passage with a sudden slowing of tempo, often for dramatic effect.
- The conductor marked the final bars ritenuto to create a powerful ending.
- She played the phrase ritenuto, making the audience hold their breath.
- The pianist suddenly shifted to ritenuto, slowing down the lively melody.
Antonyms
adjective
- Describing a musical passage that is played with a sudden slowing of tempo.
- He practiced the ritenuto part until the tempo change was smooth.
- The ritenuto section of the symphony felt heavy and dramatic.
- The composer wrote a ritenuto marking just before the final chord.