What is the difference between rallentando and ritardando?

Definitions

rallentando

- Describing a gradual slowing down of tempo in music.

- Referring to a decrease in speed or intensity over time.

- Talking about a deceleration of movement or action.

ritardando

- Describing a gradual decrease in tempo in music.

- Referring to a slowing down of speed or intensity over time.

- Talking about a deceleration of movement or action.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe a gradual decrease in speed or intensity.
• 2. Both are used in music to indicate a slowing down of tempo.
• 3. Both can be used to describe a deceleration of movement or action.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Rallentando is more commonly used in classical music, while ritardando is used in both classical and popular music.
• 2. Intensity: Rallentando implies a more gradual slowing down than ritardando.
• 3. Duration: Ritardando is often used to indicate a more sudden slowing down than rallentando.
• 4. Connotation: Rallentando can imply a more elegant and graceful slowing down, while ritardando can imply a more abrupt and dramatic slowing down.

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Remember this!

Rallentando and ritardando are both musical terms that describe a gradual decrease in tempo or speed. However, rallentando is more commonly used in classical music and implies a more gradual and elegant slowing down, while ritardando is used in both classical and popular music and can imply a more sudden and dramatic slowing down.