prolungando

Prolungando is a musical directive of Italian origin meaning “prolonging” or “extending.” It is used in scores to indicate that a note, a figure, or an entire phrase should be lengthened beyond its written duration for expressive purposes.

In practice, prolungando instructs the performer to broaden the line, often with flexibility in tempo and articulation. It does not prescribe a fixed tempo change; instead, it invites a rubato-like freedom to sustain tones and stretch musical ideas, shaping the phrase to enhance emotional or dramatic effect. The instruction may apply to a single note, a melodic motif, or an extended passage, depending on the context and the composer’s intention.

Notation and appearance can vary. The term is typically written as the Italian word prolungando in the score or part. In some editions it may appear alongside other expressive markings or be abbreviated, though it remains relatively uncommon in modern editions outside of music with strong Italianate tradition.

Etymology and context: prolungando derives from the Italian verb prolungare, “to prolong.” It is most often encountered in Romantic and late-Romantic repertoire, or in works that seek a heightened, lyric or expansive character. It is related to, but distinct from, tempo-related markings such as rubato, ritardando, or rallentando, which involve tempo changes rather than prolongation of a note value or phrase.

See also: rubato, ritardando, rallentando, lunga.