Andantino

/ˌændænˈtiːnoʊ/ noun

Definition

In music, a moderately slow tempo marking, traditionally slightly faster than andante but sometimes interpreted as slightly slower, creating deliberate ambiguity.

Etymology

From Italian 'andante' (at a walking pace) + diminutive suffix '-ino.' The interpretation of whether it's faster or slower than andante has been debated by musicians for centuries.

Kelly Says

Musicians have literally argued for 300+ years about whether andantino is faster or slower than andante—it's one of classical music's most delightful unsolved mysteries, with different composers and conductors having completely opposite interpretations!

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