Tenuto Meaning and Definition
Tenuto
Pronunciation
/tɛˈnuːtoʊ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A musical notation indicating a holding or prolonging of a note, especially in vocal music, used to convey emotional intensity or dramatic effect.
Examples
- The singer held the note for several seconds, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
- The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the Tenuto marking to emphasize the dramatic climax.
Synonyms
- Pause
- Hold
- Portato
Etymology
The word Tenuto comes from the Italian language, where it is used to indicate a holding or prolonging of a note. It is derived from the Latin word “tinuere”, meaning “to hold” or “to keep”.
Usage Notes
The term Tenuto is commonly used in classical music, where it is written into the musical score to indicate a specific note or phrase to be held or prolonged. It is also used to indicate a change in tempo or dynamics.
Cultural References
Tenuto is not commonly referenced in popular culture, but it is often used in classical music performances and recordings.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word Tenuto.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases related to Tenuto include:
- sustain
- prolong
- prolongation
- prolonging
Collocations
Tenuto is commonly used in the following collocations:
- Tenuto marking
- Tenuto note
- Tenuto phrase
Frequency of Use
Tenuto is a relatively rare word, and its frequency of use is largely limited to classical music and music theory.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of Tenuto include:
- Gerbera
- Tennuto
- Tenetta