Sostenuto

Sustained, steady

"Sostenuto" is an Italian term that translates to "sustained" or "steady" in English, conveying the meanings of "continuation" or "support".

In music, "sostenuto" is used as an instruction to guide performers to play with sustained and prolonged notes or phrases, creating a sense of continuity and expression.

In other words, when interpreting "sostenuto", performers should aim to create a musical performance where certain notes or phrases are played with a sustained and lingering quality, allowing the audience to experience a musical ambiance that reflects the extended duration and expressive character of the sustained elements in the piece being played.

Example of Sostenuto

Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenuto - Earl Wild