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Music theory · Musical terms · Tempo

ritenuto — meaning in music

ritenuto is a musical term meaning held back (suddenly slower). It is a tempo marking, first tested at Grade 2 in ABRSM, AMEB and Trinity music theory exams. From that grade on, every written paper expects you to know it on sight.

Definition
held back (suddenly slower)
TempoFirst tested: Grade 2
Translations
Frenchretenu (soudain plus lent)
Germanzurückgehalten (plötzlich langsamer)
Italiantrattenuto (improvvisamente più lento)
Spanishretenido (de repente más lento)
Chinese被阻止(突然变慢)

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