Meno Mosso
Definition. Less motion — a tempo somewhat slower than the preceding section.
Detailed Explanation
Meno mosso, Italian for ‘less motion’, instructs the performer to slow the tempo to a degree less than the previous section. It is a relative marking — meno mosso means slower than what came immediately before, not slower in absolute terms.
The marking is common in 19th and 20th-century music. A typical use is in operatic ensemble scenes or symphonic transitions: a fast section gives way to a slightly slower one, marked meno mosso, where the orchestra and soloists settle into a more lyrical pace before perhaps speeding up again later.
Meno mosso differs from ritardando in that it specifies a step change rather than a gradual slowing. The new tempo is established immediately at the marking, not approached progressively.
Etymology
Italian, ‘less motion’ — meno (‘less’, from Latin minus) + mosso (‘moved’, past participle of muovere, ‘to move’).
In Practice
Establish the new tempo cleanly at the bar of the marking. Do not slow gradually; meno mosso is a step, not a curve. In ensemble work, the conductor or section leader sets the new pulse at the marking.
Notable Examples
- Tchaikovsky — Symphony No. 5 (frequent meno mosso markings)
- Puccini — Various operas (common in transitional passages)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Meno Mosso mean in music?
Less motion — a tempo somewhat slower than the preceding section.
Where does the word Meno Mosso come from?
Italian, ‘less motion’ — meno (‘less’, from Latin minus) + mosso (‘moved’, past participle of muovere, ‘to move’).
How is Meno Mosso performed in practice?
Establish the new tempo cleanly at the bar of the marking. Do not slow gradually; meno mosso is a step, not a curve. In ensemble work, the conductor or section leader sets the new pulse at the marking.
What musical terms are related to Meno Mosso?
Related terms include: Più Mosso, Tempo Comodo, Ritenuto.
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