A musical marking indicating that notes should be held for their full written value and slightly emphasized, often marked with a horizontal line above or below the note. It suggests sustaining the note with slight stress without creating a true accent.
From Italian 'tenuto,' past participle of 'tenere' meaning 'to hold,' from Latin 'tenere.' The term entered musical notation in the 19th century as composers sought more nuanced ways to indicate subtle emphasis and articulation beyond simple dynamics.
Tenuto is the musical equivalent of underlining text—it makes notes slightly more prominent without shouting! Jazz musicians especially love this marking because it helps create that laid-back, behind-the-beat feel that makes swing music groove so irresistibly.
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