Performance
Maestoso
Majestic, dignified.
What it means
Maestoso is an Italian performance direction meaning "majestic, dignified". It describes a solemn, elevated expression and is often combined with a broad, moderately slow tempo, without itself being a precise speed indication.
Musical use
Maestoso often appears as an introductory marking at the start of symphonic movements, overtures or festive choral works, for example in Beethoven or Verdi, frequently combined with a tempo marking such as Grave maestoso or Allegro maestoso. Maestoso should be distinguished from grandioso, which denotes a similar but more overtly grand and sonorous character.
Performance practice
Play a passage marked maestoso with a clear, sustained tone, broad accents and a steady, dignified pulse, without letting it become dragging.