Meaning & use

subito

adverb·Advanced

In music, suddenly or immediately, used as a direction for an abrupt change in tempo, volume, or style.

See it in a sentence

The score marks 'subito piano' right after the loudest passage of the symphony.

The conductor signaled a subito shift from a slow tempo to a fast one.

A note on using this word

Subito is an Italian musical direction almost always paired with another term, such as 'subito forte' or 'subito piano,' rather than used alone.

Words with a similar meaning

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