Terms Used for Change in Tempo

Affrettando

comes from the Italian word affrettare, which means “to hurry”. Indicates a quickening intempo and also a character or mood of agitation

Slentando

comes from the Italian word slentare, which means “to slow down”. The player should gradually decrease the tempo of the section as the music slows down

Allargando

comes from the Italian word allargare, which means “to widen”. The player should gradually decrease the tempo n a deliberate and imposing character

Calando

comes from the Italian word calare, which means “to let down”. Musically, the player should gradually decrease both the tempo and the volume, as calando indicates a mood of calming and dying away