Rallentando

A musical term denoting a gradual decrease in tempo, typically used to create a sense of relaxation or to allow time for dramatic emphasis in a piece.

Originating from the Italian term meaning 'slow down', it encourages performers to stretch time, often leading to a more expressive performance.

rallentando can be employed in various musical contexts, signaling the end of a section or preparing for a climactic moment.

Rallentando meaning with examples

• In the final movement of the symphony, the conductor signaled a rallentando, allowing the musicians to slow their pace, heightening the emotional impact of the concluding phrases, inviting the audience into a reflective silence.
• As the soloist approached the climax of the arpeggio, she introduced a rallentando, creating a palpable tension that captivated listeners, leading them to anticipate the resolution of the musical phrase with eager expectation.
• The piece began with a lively tempo but ended with a rallentando, where musicians gradually eased their playing, providing a delicate contrast that emphasized the thematic material’s poignancy.
• During the rehearsal, the orchestra practiced the rallentando passage multiple times, ensuring that each section understood the emotional nuance, which would transform the performance into a more resonant experience.
• The pianist's interpretation of the nocturne featured an expressive rallentando at key moments, drawing the audience into an intimate world that lingered long after the last note faded away.