Adagio
noun
A slow section or movement in a musical piece. It can also refer to the speed or tempo of such a section.
The second movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is marked Adagio.

Often appears as...
- adagio movement
- adagio section
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
In music, it means to play or done slowly.
Start the piece in adagio tempo then gradually increase speed.

Often appears as...
- adagio tempo
- adagio pace
Usage tips
Academic
adverb
In a slow manner, especially while playing music.
She played the piece adagio, maintaining a slow and melancholic tone.

Often appears as...
- play adagio
- sing adagio
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A slow section or movement in a musical piece. It can also refer to the speed or tempo of such a section.
The second movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is marked Adagio.

Often appears as...
- adagio movement
- adagio section
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
In music, it means to play or done slowly.
Start the piece in adagio tempo then gradually increase speed.

Often appears as...
- adagio tempo
- adagio pace
Usage tips
Academic
adverb
In a slow manner, especially while playing music.
She played the piece adagio, maintaining a slow and melancholic tone.

Often appears as...
- play adagio
- sing adagio
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 3

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

The adagio movement offered a contrast to the symphony's lively opening.
Emotional Impact
Adagio pieces typically evoke a contemplative or solemn atmosphere, expressing deep feelings.

The cellist's adagio captivated the audience with its melancholic beauty.
Ballet Terms
In ballet, adagio refers to slow, graceful movements that require control.

Their adagio duet was the highlight of the ballet, showcasing their poise.
Musical Movements
Used to label slower movements within larger musical compositions, often conveying emotion.

The adagio movement offered a contrast to the symphony's lively opening.
Emotional Impact
Adagio pieces typically evoke a contemplative or solemn atmosphere, expressing deep feelings.

The cellist's adagio captivated the audience with its melancholic beauty.
Ballet Terms
In ballet, adagio refers to slow, graceful movements that require control.

Their adagio duet was the highlight of the ballet, showcasing their poise.
Musical Movements
Used to label slower movements within larger musical compositions, often conveying emotion.

The adagio movement offered a contrast to the symphony's lively opening.
Emotional Impact
Adagio pieces typically evoke a contemplative or solemn atmosphere, expressing deep feelings.

The cellist's adagio captivated the audience with its melancholic beauty.
Ballet Terms
In ballet, adagio refers to slow, graceful movements that require control.

Their adagio duet was the highlight of the ballet, showcasing their poise.
Video examples
Ben Dunlap: The...
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,"
Video examples
Ben Dunlap: The...
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,"
Example 1 of 1
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