Tranquillo
Definition. Tranquilly — playing with calm, peaceful, unhurried character.
Detailed Explanation
Tranquillo is Italian for ‘tranquil, calm’. As a performance direction it instructs the performer to play with calm, peaceful character — gentle dynamics, smooth phrasing, unhurried pace. The marking is one of the most common emotional directions for slow or moderate movements.
The character is settled and at peace. Tranquillo passages should feel as if no urgency exists — the music has all the time in the world. Phrasing breathes naturally; dynamics shape gently; tempo never pushes forward or pulls back.
The marking is found throughout the symphonic and operatic repertoire. Operatic ariosos, slow symphonic movements, and contemplative passages frequently bear the tranquillo direction. Bartók’s Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta opens with an Andante tranquillo — perhaps the most famous example.
Etymology
Italian, ‘tranquil, peaceful’, from Latin tranquillus (‘calm’).
In Practice
Don’t hurry. The music should feel unhurried, breathing in its own time. Warm tone, steady tempo, gentle dynamics. Avoid expressive distortion; let the music settle.
Notable Examples
- Bartók — Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta (Andante tranquillo opening)
- Brahms — Various slow movements (frequent tranquillo character)
Related Terms
Opposite Of
Frequently Asked Questions
音楽で Tranquillo はどういう意味ですか？
Tranquilly — playing with calm, peaceful, unhurried character.
Tranquillo という言葉はどこから来ていますか？
Italian, ‘tranquil, peaceful’, from Latin tranquillus (‘calm’).
Tranquillo は実際にどう演奏しますか？
Don’t hurry. The music should feel unhurried, breathing in its own time. Warm tone, steady tempo, gentle dynamics. Avoid expressive distortion; let the music settle.
Tranquillo に関連する音楽用語は？
関連する用語：Sereno, Dolce, Calmando, Sostenuto。
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