"Largo" is an Italian musical term that translates to "slow and broad" or "broadly" in English. It is a marking used to indicate that a musical piece should be performed at a very slow tempo with a sense of expansiveness and breadth. It is usually played at a tempo of 40 to 60 beats per minute.
"Largo" is an indication typically used to describe the tempo and character of a piece of music. It signifies that the music should be performed at a very slow pace, creating a sense of spaciousness and grandeur in the rhythm. This marking is often represented on sheet music as the word "largo" or "slow and broad".
Performers are expected to play at an extremely slow tempo, allowing for a deliberate and grand presentation of each note. This style of performance evokes a feeling of majesty and grandiosity, often used to convey emotions of solemnity, gravity, grandeur, or passion. Despite the slow pace, the performance should be infused with intense emotion, allowing each note to be presented in a majestic manner.
The use of "Largo" may vary based on the composer's intent. It can create a sense of grandeur in majestic pieces or establish an atmosphere of solemnity and expansiveness in more serious contexts. In any case, "Largo" emphasizes a slow tempo and a broad emotional quality in the music.
Tempo Marking | bpm | Meaning |
Grave | 20 - 40 bpm | Slow and solemn |
Lento | 40 - 60 bpm | Slow |
Largo | 40 - 60 bpm | Slow and broad |
Larghetto | 60 - 66 bpm | Rather broadly |
Adagio | 66 - 76 bpm | Slow and stately |
Adagietto | 70 - 80 bpm | Slightly faster than adagio |
Andante | 72 - 76 bpm | Walking pace |
Andante moderato | 92 - 98 bpm | Moderate walking pace |
Moderato | 108 - 120 bpm | At a moderate tempo |
Allegretto | 112 - 120 bpm | Moderately fast |
Allegro moderato | 116 - 120 bpm | Moderately quick |
Allegro | 120 - 156 bpm | Fast and lively |
Vivace | 156 - 176 bpm | Fast and lively |
Allegro vivace | 172 - 176 bpm | Very fast and lively |
Presto | 168 - 200 bpm | Quickly |
Prestissimo | 200+ bpm | As fast as possible |