How Do You Spell SOSTENUTO?

Pronunciation: [sˌɒstənjˈuːtə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "sostenuto" may seem tricky, but with knowledge of its IPA phonetic transcription, it becomes easier to grasp. The word is pronounced as /sɒstɪˈnjuːtəʊ/, with stress on the second syllable. The syllable "so" has an "o" sound, while "te" is pronounced like "tay". "Nu" is pronounced as "nyu". "Sostenuto" is an Italian musical term that means "sustained." It is often used in sheet music to indicate notes that should be held longer than usual.

SOSTENUTO Meaning and Definition

1. Sostenuto is an Italian musical term that serves as both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective, it describes a style or manner of playing in a sustained and prolonged way. As an adverb, sostenuto indicates that a piece should be played in this sustained manner.

   In musical notation, sostenuto is often indicated by the abbreviation "sost." placed above or below a passage of music. It instructs the performer to sustain or hold the notes for longer than usual, offering a sense of continuity, depth, and expressive quality to the music. This technique is commonly used in piano music, where the performer uses the pedal to sustain the sound of certain notes or chords. It allows for a smooth and connected flow of sound, even when changing harmonies or chords.

   Sostenuto can also refer to a pedal found on grand pianos, called the sostenuto pedal. This pedal allows the pianist to selectively sustain only the desired notes, without affecting other notes played at the same time. It provides a unique timbral effect and is commonly used in more complex or polyphonic piano compositions.

   Overall, sostenuto signifies a sustained and drawn-out approach to playing music, characterized by a focus on creating a unified and expressive sound.

2. In music, a term denoting that a note or a movement is to be somewhat prolonged or sustained to the utmost of the value of the time.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SOSTENUTO

• sosteuto
• Soste.uto

Etymology of SOSTENUTO

The word "sostenuto" is derived from the Italian language, where "sostenuto" is the past participle of the verb "sostenere", which means "to sustain" or "to support". In musical terms, "sostenuto" is a notation indicating that a note or chord should be sustained for a longer duration than is indicated by its written value. It is often used as a directive in piano music to sustain the sound of a note or chord beyond what the sustain pedal alone can achieve.