What does "ritardando" instruct the musician to do?

What does "ritardando" instruct the musician to do?

• A. Return to the original tempo
• B. Play very softly
• C. Gradually slow down
• D. Play at a moderate loudness

Answer: (C)

"Ritardando" is an Italian musical term that instructs musicians to gradually slow down the tempo of a piece. This technique allows for expressive phrasing, giving the music an emotional quality as it moves towards a more relaxed pace. The gradual decrease in speed can create a sense of tension or anticipation, often leading into a significant moment in the music, such as a resolution or a final chord. In contrast, returning to the original tempo refers to terms like "a tempo" or "tempo primo," which focus on resuming the initial speed of the piece rather than slowing down. Playing very softly is indicated by terms such as "piano," which denotes a quiet dynamic, while playing at a moderate loudness involves terms like "mezzo-piano" or "mezzo-forte," which describe specific levels of volume. None of these meanings captures the essence of ritardando, which is unique in its instruction to gradually decrease the tempo.

"Ritardando" is an Italian musical term that instructs musicians to gradually slow down the tempo of a piece. This technique allows for expressive phrasing, giving the music an emotional quality as it moves towards a more relaxed pace. The gradual decrease in speed can create a sense of tension or anticipation, often leading into a significant moment in the music, such as a resolution or a final chord.

In contrast, returning to the original tempo refers to terms like "a tempo" or "tempo primo," which focus on resuming the initial speed of the piece rather than slowing down. Playing very softly is indicated by terms such as "piano," which denotes a quiet dynamic, while playing at a moderate loudness involves terms like "mezzo-piano" or "mezzo-forte," which describe specific levels of volume. None of these meanings captures the essence of ritardando, which is unique in its instruction to gradually decrease the tempo.