Adagissimo

/ˌɑːdɑːdʒɪˈsɪmoʊ/ noun

Definition

The slowest possible musical tempo, even slower than adagio; an extremely slow, meditative pace.

Etymology

From Italian 'adagio' + '-issimo' (superlative suffix meaning 'very' or 'extremely'). A rare marking that extends the adagio concept to its limit.

Kelly Says

Adagissimo is the musical equivalent of time standing still—composers reserve this marking for moments so emotionally overwhelming that even adagio feels too quick, like John Cage's approach to silence itself.

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