tenuto

[teˈnuːto]

tenuto Definition

a direction in sheet music indicating a note should be played for its full value or slightly longer, often with a slight emphasis.

Using tenuto: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tenuto" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The tenuto marking above the note indicates that it should be played for its full value.

• Example

  The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the notes tenuto to emphasize their importance.

• Example

  The pianist added a tenuto to the final chord for dramatic effect.

tenuto Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tenuto

• sustained
• held
• prolonged

Phrases with tenuto

• tenuto mark

  a symbol placed above or below a note indicating that it should be played tenuto

  Example

  The tenuto mark above the note indicates that it should be played for its full value.

• tenuto accent

  a slight emphasis placed on a note played tenuto

  Example

  The tenuto accent added depth and expression to the melody.

• tenuto pedal

  a pedal on a piano that sustains all notes played while it is depressed

  Example

  The pianist used the tenuto pedal to create a rich, sustained sound.

Origins of tenuto

from Italian 'tenere', meaning 'to hold'

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Summary: tenuto in Brief

'Tenuto' [teˈnuːto] is a musical term used as a direction in sheet music to indicate that a note should be played for its full value or slightly longer, often with a slight emphasis. It is often indicated by a symbol called a tenuto mark and can be used to add expression and emphasis to a piece of music.