What does the term 'largo' indicate in music?

The term 'largo' is an Italian musical term that is used to indicate a specific tempo or speed of a piece of music. It generally means “slow” and is typically performed at a leisurely pace. In the context of tempo markings, 'largo' denotes a slower speed than other markings such as 'adagio' or 'andante,' which also indicate slower tempos but at a slightly faster pace than 'largo'.

When interpreting music that has the directive 'largo', one can expect a stately and broad style of playing, which allows for expressive phrasing and ample time for the performer to convey emotion. This career importance of the term 'largo' is widely recognized among musicians and is firmly established in the standard musical vocabulary. The speed associated with 'largo' emphasizes its identification with slowness, making it a fundamental aspect in understanding musical expression and interpretation in various compositions.