Lentissimo
Definition. Very slow — the superlative of lento, indicating a tempo slower than lento itself.
Detailed Explanation
Lentissimo is the superlative form of lento, marking music as ‘extremely slow’. In tempo terms it overlaps with adagissimo and larghissimo, all indicating tempos at the slow extreme. Standard metronome charts do not always distinguish between them; the choice is largely about character and connotation.
The marking is found in 19th and 20th-century repertoire. Composers reach for lentissimo when they want slowness that is austere, perhaps almost frozen — neither stately (adagissimo) nor expansive (larghissimo), simply very slow.
As with all extreme-slow markings, the performer’s challenge is to keep the music alive at the cellular level. Every note must carry harmonic and emotional weight, or the line dies.
Etymology
Italian, superlative of lento. The -issimo suffix amplifies to the extreme.
In Practice
Subdivide internally. Treat every beat as a phrase. Listen ahead — hear where the next note will land before you play. Without that internal motion, lentissimo collapses into silence punctuated by sound.
Notable Examples
- Various 20th-century — Modern slow movements (occasional lentissimo markings)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lentissimo mean in music?
Very slow — the superlative of lento, indicating a tempo slower than lento itself.
Where does the word Lentissimo come from?
Italian, superlative of lento. The -issimo suffix amplifies to the extreme.
How is Lentissimo performed in practice?
Subdivide internally. Treat every beat as a phrase. Listen ahead — hear where the next note will land before you play. Without that internal motion, lentissimo collapses into silence punctuated by sound.
What musical terms are related to Lentissimo?
Related terms include: Lento, Adagissimo, Larghissimo, Grave.
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