lento

/'lentou/

Thân thiện

The conductor gestures for the orchestra to play the passage lento.

Definition

1. Adverb:

   • In a slow tempo: Used as a musical direction to indicate that a passage should be played slowly.

2. Adjective:

   • Slow in tempo: Describing music or a passage that is to be performed at a slow speed.

Usage

• As an Adverb (most common): The word is primarily used as an instruction to musicians on to play.
  • The composer marked the second movement "lento".
  • The conductor asked the orchestra to play this section lento.
• As an Adjective: Used to describe the tempo or character of the music itself.
  • The lento passage provided a moment of calm reflection.
  • It is a lento piece, full of melancholy.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The score clearly states to play lento here.
  • She sang the aria lento, emphasizing every emotional word.
• Adjective:
  • The lento tempo creates a solemn atmosphere.
  • He is practicing the lento variations from the sonata.

Advanced Usage

• Comparative and Superlative Forms: While less common, the forms "more lento" and "most lento" can be used, especially when comparing tempos.
  • The first theme is lento, but the second is even more lento.
• In Musical Analysis: Used to discuss the structure and emotional impact of a composition.
  • The contrast between the lento introduction and the vivace main section is dramatic.

Variants and Related Words

• Lentamente (adv.): Another Italian musical term meaning slowly, often used interchangeably with "lento" but can imply a slightly different character.
• Lentando (adv.): Gradually becoming slower.
• Lentissimo (adv./adj.): Very slow; slower than "lento".

Synonyms

• Slowly (adv.): The general English equivalent for the adverb form.
• Adagio (adv./adj.): A musical term for a slow, leisurely tempo, often slightly faster than "lento" in practice.
• Largo (adv./adj.): A musical term meaning slow and broad, often with a dignified character.

Antonyms

• Allegro (adv./adj.): Fast, quick, and bright.
• Presto (adv./adj.): Very fast.
• Vivace (adv./adj.): Lively and fast.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. (of tempo) slow

Adverb

1. in music
   • Play this lento, please

Từ đồng nghĩa

• slowly