Sostenuto
adjective
In music, played in a slow and sustained manner.
The pianist was asked to play the piece sostenuto.
Often appears as...
- play sostenuto
- sostenuto pedal
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
noun
In music, a device on a piano that keeps selected notes sustained while others are not.
The pianist used the sostenuto pedal to hold certain notes while playing the others normally.
Often appears as...
- sostenuto pedal
- use sostenuto
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
adjective
In music, played in a slow and sustained manner.
The pianist was asked to play the piece sostenuto.
Often appears as...
- play sostenuto
- sostenuto pedal
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
noun
In music, a device on a piano that keeps selected notes sustained while others are not.
The pianist used the sostenuto pedal to hold certain notes while playing the others normally.
Often appears as...
- sostenuto pedal
- use sostenuto
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used to describe music that carries deep emotion or feeling through prolonged notes.
Her violin solo was breathtakingly sostenuto, captivating everyone.
Pro Tip 2/3Classical Music Context
Most commonly found in classical and operatic music, indicating a powerful, dramatic moment.
The orchestra's sostenuto passage gave the scene a somber tone.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Fast Songs
Typically inappropriate in fast, upbeat music where quick, short notes are played.
Despite the lively beat, the sostenuto chords seemed out of place.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used to describe music that carries deep emotion or feeling through prolonged notes.
Her violin solo was breathtakingly sostenuto, captivating everyone.
Pro Tip 2/3Classical Music Context
Most commonly found in classical and operatic music, indicating a powerful, dramatic moment.
The orchestra's sostenuto passage gave the scene a somber tone.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Fast Songs
Typically inappropriate in fast, upbeat music where quick, short notes are played.
Despite the lively beat, the sostenuto chords seemed out of place.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used to describe music that carries deep emotion or feeling through prolonged notes.
Her violin solo was breathtakingly sostenuto, captivating everyone.
Pro Tip 2/3Classical Music Context
Most commonly found in classical and operatic music, indicating a powerful, dramatic moment.
The orchestra's sostenuto passage gave the scene a somber tone.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Fast Songs
Typically inappropriate in fast, upbeat music where quick, short notes are played.
Despite the lively beat, the sostenuto chords seemed out of place.
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