Allentato

/ˌæl.ɛnˈtɑː.toʊ/ adjective

Definition

In music, a direction indicating that the tempo should be slowed down or relaxed (a state of having loosened the tempo).

Etymology

Italian past participle of allentare, meaning 'loosened' or 'slackened.' Used in musical notation to indicate a sustained slow tempo, derived from Latin lentus (slow).

Kelly Says

The difference between allentando and allentato is subtle: allentando means 'gradually slowing down,' while allentato means 'already slowed down'—it's like the difference between 'falling asleep' and 'already asleep'!

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