Meaning & use
largo
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Meanings
adjectivenot comparablemusic
Written above music to show that it should be played in a very slow, stately and broad manner.
Grammar: Used as a tempo instruction, usually after a noun or in a score: a largo movement.
Patterns
- a largo tempo
- play something largo
The conductor asked the orchestra to play the opening passage largo.
The composer marked the second movement largo to give it a solemn feel.
The song has a largo introduction before the faster section begins.
adverbnot comparablemusic
In a very slow and dignified way, as a direction to performers.
Grammar: Follows the verb of performing: play it largo, sing largo.
Patterns
- play largo
- sing largo
The choir was told to sing the final verse largo.
Play the chords largo so that each one rings out.
nouncountablemusic
A piece or section of music written to be performed at this very slow tempo.
Grammar: A countable noun: the largo, three largos or largi.
Patterns
- the largo of something
The largo from the concerto is often used at ceremonies.
She played a quiet largo as an encore.
The symphony ends with a long, sad largo.
Word forms
| plural | largos |
|---|
Common combinations
- largo movement
- The largo movement is the emotional center of the sonata.
- marked largo
- The passage is marked largo, so do not rush it.
- play largo
- Try to play largo without letting the beat sag.
- the famous largo
- The famous largo opens with a gentle melody on the cor anglais.
- largo tempo
- A largo tempo suits the funeral march.
Synonyms and how they differ
- lento
- Lento means slow too, but it is a little faster than largo and does not carry the same broad, solemn feeling.
- adagio
- Adagio is a slow tempo that is usually somewhat quicker and more flowing than largo.
- grave
- Grave is a very slow, serious tempo marking, close to largo but with a heavier and darker mood.
Opposites
Word family
- larghetto adjective
- a tempo slightly faster than largo
- larghissimo adjective
- extremely slow, the slowest tempo marking
- largamente adverb
- a direction meaning in a broad, full way
Commonly confused: largo or lento?
largo vs lento
Lento is also a slow tempo marking, but it is a little quicker and lighter than largo, which is broad and solemn.
Practice
A composer marks a passage largo. What should the musicians do?
Choose one answer.
Largo is an instruction for a very slow, broad tempo. It says nothing about volume, so quiet playing is a tempting but wrong answer.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “largo”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.