sostenuto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical (music)
Quick answer
What does “sostenuto” mean?
In music, performed in a sustained or prolonged manner, often with a specific instruction to hold notes for their full value.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In music, performed in a sustained or prolonged manner, often with a specific instruction to hold notes for their full value.
More broadly, it can describe anything sustained, prolonged, or unwaveringly steady, though this is rare and usually metaphorical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Minor pronunciation variations exist.
Connotations
Purely technical in both varieties; no additional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to musical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sostenuto” in a Sentence
Used as an adverb/adjective (e.g., 'play this passage sostenuto')Used as a noun (e.g., 'use the sostenuto')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sostenuto” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The composer indicates the pianist should sostenuto the bass notes.
- Sostenuto the melody here for a more dramatic effect.
American English
- You need to sostenuto that chord to match the conductor's intent.
- The score directs the cellist to sostenuto the final phrase.
adverb
British English
- Play this section sostenuto to bring out the harmony.
- The violins entered sostenuto, creating a haunting effect.
American English
- Sing the line sostenuto for a more classical sound.
- The instruction 'sostenuto' appears above the staff.
adjective
British English
- The sostenuto section requires careful pedal control.
- He is known for his beautiful, sostenuto phrasing.
American English
- The sostenuto passage was played with great emotion.
- Her playing had a wonderfully sostenuto quality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in musicology and performance studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only among musicians.
Technical
Standard term in musical scores and discussions of piano technique.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sostenuto”
- Confusing 'sostenuto' with 'legato' (smooth connection) or 'tenuto' (held for full value).
- Misspelling as 'sostenudo' or 'sostenoto'.
- Using it in non-musical contexts where 'sustained' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While most commonly associated with the piano's sostenuto pedal, the term can appear in scores for any instrument to indicate a sustained style of playing.
'Legato' means to play notes smoothly connected, while 'sostenuto' specifically means to sustain them for their full or extended duration.
No, it is a specialised musical term. Using it in general conversation would sound highly technical or pretentious.
In British English, it's roughly 'soss-teh-NYOO-toh'. In American English, it's closer to 'soh-stuh-NOO-toh'.
In music, performed in a sustained or prolonged manner, often with a specific instruction to hold notes for their full value.
Sostenuto is usually technical (music) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SOS' as needing a sustained, prolonged call for help, but in music, it's 'sostenuto' for sustained notes.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTINUITY IS A SUSTAINED LINE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary technical function of 'sostenuto' in music?