Definition. This is a list of musical terms that are likely to be encountered in printed scores, music reviews, and program notes.Most of the terms are Italian (see also Italian musical terms used in English), in accordance with the Italian origins of many European musical conventions.Sometimes, the special musical meanings of these phrases differ from the original or current Italian meanings. Define ritardando. rit. is the shorthand most often used in scores. stands for ritardo in Italian. In this case, it is a gradual slowing to a very slow tempo. In music, there are various terms used to indicate tempo changes, mood, articulation and special techniques for specific instruments. The information is very well‐researched and each entry more‐than‐adequately covers the major aspects of each topic. Pochissimo - Musical Definition Pochissimo - As small as possible Musical examples where the term 'Pochissimo' is used: A ritardando is a gradual slowing of the tempo. Well, molto means very much and rit. Put them together and it means slow down very much...but in this case it means gradually because a ritardo is a gradual slowing. it stands for poco ritardando which means slow down a little. Some state that the two words are synonyms. adv. The Ritardando is more "final" in some ways, especially when poco a poco to the end of a section. Rallentando, to me, is almost like a miniature fermata that adds a short burst of slowness to the tempo, whereas the Ritardando is like a morphine drip, steadily slowing me down. So, together, it would be, slow down a little bit. dictionary entries, theree ar articles on important composers and important individual pieces, entries on widely varying musical styles, music theory and general music history. However, on a poco rit., you'll slow dwon a little as going from a … ritardando: growing slower: rubato : in a free tempo: stretto : quicker tempo: string. ... Often, as in the case with "rit," these terms will appear abbreviated to save space. ritardando synonyms, ritardando pronunciation, ritardando translation, English dictionary definition of ritardando. Music Gradually slowing in … An excellent online music dictionary used by musicians and students everywhere. Rit. According to the Music Dictionaries… Many musical dictionaries simply state, “slowing down” as the definition for both rallentando and ritardando. "Poco" means "a little" and "rit" is an abbreviation for "ritardando" which means to slow down. However, I would still like to think there is some slight difference in meaning or emphasis between the two words. & adj. on a regular ritardando, you'll dramatically slow dow. A ritardando is a gradual slowing of the tempo both rallentando and ritardando slight difference in meaning or emphasis the! 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