Used to label slower movements within larger musical compositions, often conveying emotion.

Musical Movements

Adagio pieces typically evoke a contemplative or solemn atmosphere, expressing deep feelings.

Emotional Impact

In ballet, adagio refers to slow, graceful movements that require control.

Ballet Terms

When music is marked adagio, it instructs performers to play slowly and with feeling.

Describes How to Play

The adagio adjective reflects the expressive quality of the music, not just tempo.

Expressive Dynamics

While adagio indicates slowness, it's also about the deliberate expression of each note.

Not Just Speed

Adagio as an adverb may set the tempo initially. It can change throughout the piece.

Tempo Over Time

Using adagio sets a piece's mood. It's tranquil and lets listeners absorb the melody.

Intensity and Pace

Adagio conveys an artist's emotional intent and can transform a composition's feel.

Communicates Feel

 in the last year of the composer's life. He was dying of leukemia and he knew it, and he dedicated this concerto to his wife, Dita, who was herself a concert pianist. And into the slow, second movement, marked "adagio religioso,"