Meaning of tenuto in musicTenuto is an Italian term meaning "held" in music notation. It indicates that the note or notes marked with a tenuto symbol should be played slightly longer and more accentuated than their written time value. This gives the note some emphasis without playing it in a full staccato style.
Tenuto is typically indicated in one of three ways:
- The Italian word "tenuto" written above the passage - The abbreviation "ten." written above a note or passage - A horizontal line placed above or below a note
Playing a note tenuto gives it a slightly detached articulation compared to legato notes. However, the duration of the note is held its full written time value rather than cut short like a staccato note.
A directive to perform the indicated note or chord of a composition in a sustained manner for longer than its full duration. The term is frequently used in its abbreviated form, which is ten.
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [Abbreviation] ten.
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