Rallentando

rallentando ( ital. "slackening, slacking", abbreviation: rallent., rall. ) is a musical performance designation that requires a decrease in tempo , often in the sense of a smooth transition from a faster to a slower tempo. Ritardando has a similar meaning , whereas ritenuto also requires a reduction in the tempo, but not in the sense of a gradual, but an immediate slowdown.

See also

• Agogic (music)
• List of musical performance titles