Adagissimo

What it means

Adagissimo is the intensifying form of Adagio: the Italian ending -issimo strengthens the base word, and the result is a very slow, extremely sustained tempo. No numerical value can sensibly be given for it — the word says above all that one is to play even more slowly than in an Adagio, and leaves the exact measure to the performer.

The marking is rare. Where extreme slowness is at stake, composers reach more often for Largo, Lento or their intensified forms, or they paraphrase what is wanted with an addition such as molto adagio. In relation to the related words: Largo stresses breadth and expanse, Lentissimo pure slowness, Adagissimo the union of slowness and a calm, leisurely attitude already contained in the base word ad agio.

In the notation

The word stands above the first system of a movement or section, in italics, occasionally with a character addition. Because the marking is rare, a look into the preface of the edition is worthwhile: some editors add a metronome figure at such places, which is then expressly their own interpretation and does not come from the composer.

Musical use

The marking is used where the music tends toward standstill: in funeral music, in lamenting sections, in introductions that depict a state rather than a motion. Because the pulse then lies very far apart, cohesion must come from other means — from a running accompaniment figure, a sustained harmony or a regular bass.

Performance practice

Choose a smaller counting unit than the time signature suggests, and hold it consistently; in extremely slow tempos this is the only way to stay together. Before playing, check whether breath, bow or pedal will last for the longest notes, and plan changes at inconspicuous places. Take care to carry the sound over the full note duration, instead of placing it at the start and then letting it fade. And take the word seriously as a character instruction: what is meant is calm, not ponderousness.