Allargando: A musical term indicating a gradual slowing down and broadening of the tempo. It often signals a moment of grandeur or emphasis in a piece.
Context and Significance
Allargando is a crucial expressive tool in music, especially in classical compositions. It allows for a dramatic expansion in both tempo and sound, often used to highlight climactic moments or transitions. This term is commonly found in orchestral and choral works, where the conductor can guide the ensemble to achieve the desired effect. By slowing down and widening the tempo, musicians can enhance the emotional impact and grandeur of a passage.
Historical Background
The term allargando comes from the Italian word “allargare,” meaning “to widen.” It became prominent in the Romantic era, a time when composers sought to express more emotion and drama in their music. This period saw a shift from rigid tempos to more expressive, variable pacing, allowing allargando to become a staple in musical interpretation.
Examples
In Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the use of allargando in the final movement helps build tension and anticipation before the choir enters. Similarly, in Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, allargando is used to emphasize the emotional depth of the music. These examples illustrate how this technique can transform the mood and intensity of a composition.
Related Terms
Ritardando: Gradually slowing down the tempo.
Rallentando: Another term for gradually slowing down, often interchangeable with ritardando.
Rubato: A flexible tempo allowing for expressive timing and phrasing.