adagios
Adagios is the plural form of adagio, a term in classical music used to designate a slow, leisurely tempo or mood. The word derives from the Italian ad agio, meaning at ease. In performance practice, adagio sits between Largo (very slow) and Andante (moderately slow), typically around 66–76 beats per minute in common time, though actual tempos vary with style and interpretation.
In repertoire, adagios appear as both standalone pieces and as slow movements within larger works. They are
Famous examples commonly associated with the term include Beethoven’s Adagio cantabile from the Pathétique Sonata, Barber’s
The concept of adagio extends beyond strict tempo markings to expressiveness and character. In later music,