Larghissimo
Definition. Extremely slow and broad — the superlative of largo, often considered the slowest standard tempo.
Detailed Explanation
Larghissimo is the superlative of largo, marking music as ‘extremely broad and slow’. In some tempo charts it is placed below all other slow markings, as the slowest standard tempo direction — perhaps below 40 BPM.
The marking is rare in actual repertoire. When it does appear, it usually signals a moment of overwhelming ritual or stasis: the dying close of a tragic movement, a passage of religious meditation, an evocation of vast space. Because the marking implies both extreme slowness and extreme breadth, it requires an exceptionally well-shaped phrase to succeed.
Mahler, Bruckner, Pärt, and Górecki are among composers who reach for larghissimo or its equivalents. The challenge for the performer is to keep harmonic and rhythmic life alive at speeds where lesser markings would collapse.
Etymology
Italian, superlative of largo. The -issimo suffix amplifies to the extreme.
In Practice
Treat every note as the centre of attention. There is no room for inattentive playing at this tempo — every articulation, every breath, every nuance is exposed.
Notable Examples
- Pärt — Spiegel im Spiegel (approaches larghissimo character)
- Górecki — Symphony of Sorrowful Songs (vast, slow movements)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Larghissimo mean in music?
Extremely slow and broad — the superlative of largo, often considered the slowest standard tempo.
Where does the word Larghissimo come from?
Italian, superlative of largo. The -issimo suffix amplifies to the extreme.
How is Larghissimo performed in practice?
Treat every note as the centre of attention. There is no room for inattentive playing at this tempo — every articulation, every breath, every nuance is exposed.
What musical terms are related to Larghissimo?
Related terms include: Largo, Larghetto, Lentissimo, Adagissimo, Grave.
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