ritardando
A gradual slowing of tempo. Abbreviated as rit.
In Depth
Ritardando (abbreviated rit.) is one of the most common performance markings in music, instructing the performer to gradually slow down. The effect is the temporal equivalent of a diminuendo — a gentle deceleration that creates a sense of arrival, conclusion, or breath. The degree and rate of slowing are left to the performer's judgment, which is both the challenge and the expressive power of a ritardando. Too much slowing sounds heavy-handed; too little is imperceptible. In ensemble music, the conductor or lead player guides the group through the ritardando, ensuring everyone decelerates together. A [tempo](/term/a%20tempo) typically follows, restoring the original speed.
Glenn Gould was famous for taking enormous ritardandos at the ends of Bach pieces — his recording of the Goldberg Variations stretches the final bars to nearly twice the expected duration.
Related Terms
More in Tempo
Browse alla tempo
Return to the original tempo after a deviation.
accelerando
A gradual increase in tempo.
adagio
A slow, leisurely tempo, typically 66-76 BPM.
agitato
Agitated; restless and hurried in character.
alla breve
Cut time; two half-note beats per measure, giving a faster feel.
allegretto
A moderately fast tempo, slightly slower than allegro.
allegro
A fast, lively tempo, typically 120-156 BPM.
andante
A walking pace tempo, typically 76-108 BPM.