Definition

1. Adjective:

   • (Of tempo) moderately slow: In music, "larghetto" describes a tempo that is less slow and broad than "largo" but still slower than "adagio." It indicates a moderately slow, somewhat broad pace.

2. Noun:

   • A composition or passage in a larghetto tempo: A piece of music, or a section within a piece, that is to be played at a "larghetto" tempo.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The second movement is marked "larghetto," requiring a gentle, flowing pace.
  • She played the sonata's larghetto section with great feeling.

• Noun:

  • The concert featured a beautiful larghetto for string quartet.
  • He composed a haunting larghetto as the central part of the symphony.

Advanced Usage

• As a tempo marking: "Larghetto" is primarily used as a tempo instruction in musical scores. It is more specific than simply writing "slowly" and guides the performer's interpretation of speed and character.
  • The score indicates "Larghetto e cantabile" (slowly and in a singing style).

Variants and Related Words

• Largo (adj. & n.): A tempo marking indicating a very slow, broad, and stately pace (slower than larghetto).
• Adagio (adj. & n.): A tempo marking indicating a slow, leisurely pace (faster than larghetto but slower than andante).

Synonyms

• Slowly: At a low speed. (Note: "Larghetto" is a more precise musical term.)
• Leisurely: Without hurry. (Note: This is a general term, not a specific tempo marking.)

Related Phrases

• "Larghetto ma non troppo": A musical instruction meaning "slowly but not too much." This modifies the basic "larghetto" tempo.
  • The conductor took the "larghetto ma non troppo" direction to heart, ensuring the music didn't drag.

Related Idioms

(This term is a specific musical instruction; it is not commonly used in figurative idioms outside of musical contexts.)

Adjective

1. (of tempo) less slow and broad than largo

Noun

1. (music) a composition or passage played in a slow tempo slightly faster than largo but slower than adagio