Largo meaning

Largo means slowly in music notation, indicating a piece should be played at a slow tempo.


Largo definitions

Word backwards ogral
Part of speech Largo can be used as an adjective or a noun.
Syllabic division lar-go
Plural largos
Total letters 5
Vogais (2) a,o
Consonants (3) l,r,g

Largo is a term that originated from the Italian language, meaning "slow" or "broad." In music, largo is used as a tempo marking to indicate a slow and stately pace of performance. It is often associated with a sense of grandeur, solemnity, and emotional depth, allowing the music to unfold gradually with rich expressiveness.

Origin and Usage

The term largo has been used in music notation for centuries, dating back to the Baroque period. Composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel used largo to denote a slow tempo in their compositions. In classical music, largo is typically slower than andante but faster than adagio, offering a moderate pace for the music to resonate with the listener.

Characteristics of Largo

Largo passages are characterized by their spaciousness and expansiveness, allowing each note to ring out and linger in the air. The slow tempo of largo pieces enables performers to infuse the music with deep emotion and sensitivity, creating a profound impact on the audience. Largo sections are often marked by long, sustained notes and chords, emphasizing the beauty and resonance of each sound.

Interpretation and Expression

Interpreting a largo passage requires a keen sense of musicality and expression. Musicians must carefully shape each phrase, paying close attention to dynamics, articulation, and phrasing to convey the intended mood of the music. Largo pieces often evoke feelings of introspection, melancholy, or contemplation, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the emotional landscape of the composition.

Largo serves as a vital element in the musical repertoire, offering a contrast to faster-paced movements and providing a moment of repose and reflection within a larger work. Its deliberate tempo and expressive qualities make it a powerful tool for composers to evoke a wide range of emotions and meanings through their music.

Whether you are a performer or a listener, experiencing a largo passage can be a profound and moving musical journey, allowing you to connect with the music on a deeper level and savor its beauty and complexity.


Largo Examples

  1. The orchestra played the symphony at a slow tempo, known as largo.
  2. The largo hallway was lined with exquisite paintings on the walls.
  3. The largo bridge spanned the entire river, connecting two towns.
  4. She walked at a largo pace, taking in the beauty of the gardens around her.
  5. The largo tree provided ample shade for the picnickers on a sunny day.
  6. The largo window allowed for plenty of natural light to fill the room.
  7. His largo strides quickly carried him to the top of the hill.
  8. The largo ship sailed gracefully across the ocean, its sails billowing in the wind.
  9. The largo field stretched as far as the eye could see, lush and green.
  10. He sang the aria with a largo, melodic tone that captivated the audience.


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  • Updated 31/03/2024 - 16:40:15