Which term indicates immediately slower?

Which term indicates immediately slower?

• A. Rallentando
• B. Sforzando
• C. Sempre
• D. Ritenuto

Answer: (D)

In tempo markings, the way a piece changes speed matters: some markings slow the tempo gradually, others call for an immediate shift. The term that means to slow down right away is ritenuto. It tells you to hold back and drop the tempo immediately, often with a brief hesitation before returning to the original speed or moving to a new tempo. This is different from ritardando or rallentando, which describe a gradual, extended slowing over several notes. Sforzando is about an abrupt, strong accent on a note or chord rather than a tempo change, and sempre means “always,” not a change in tempo. So ritenuto is the correct indication for an immediate slowing.

In tempo markings, the way a piece changes speed matters: some markings slow the tempo gradually, others call for an immediate shift. The term that means to slow down right away is ritenuto. It tells you to hold back and drop the tempo immediately, often with a brief hesitation before returning to the original speed or moving to a new tempo. This is different from ritardando or rallentando, which describe a gradual, extended slowing over several notes. Sforzando is about an abrupt, strong accent on a note or chord rather than a tempo change, and sempre means “always,” not a change in tempo. So ritenuto is the correct indication for an immediate slowing.