adagietto in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

Meaning of Adagietto in Music

Adagietto is a musical term used as a tempo marking to indicate a relatively slow tempo, slightly faster than adagio. It is derived from the Italian word "adagio," which means slow. The term "adagietto" is a diminutive form of adagio, suggesting a slightly faster pace than the original tempo marking. It is often used to convey a sense of expressiveness and lyricism in the music. The exact tempo range for adagietto may vary depending on the interpretation, but it generally falls between 72 and 76 beats per minute (BPM).

The adagietto tempo marking is typically slower than andante but faster than adagio. It is considered to be a fairly slow tempo, allowing for a gentle and flowing performance. The expressive nature of adagietto allows musicians to convey emotions and create a sense of intimacy in the music. It is often used in romantic and lyrical compositions, such as Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5, where the adagietto movement is particularly famous ).

Overall, adagietto is a musical term that signifies a slow tempo, slightly faster than adagio, and is used to evoke a sense of expressiveness and lyricism in the music.