Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/A/Adagio

by John Weeks Moore

Adagio, or ADA'O, formerly ADASIO. (I.) The word adagio signifies the second degree, from slow to quick ; and is generally applied to music, not only meant to be performed hi a slow time, but also with grace and embellishment. It is, likewise, frequently used substantively ; as when we say, "an adagio of Pergolese," "an adagio of Beethoven," &c. Adagio is applied to express tender and plaintive emotions. The Italian word denotes a degree or distinctness of time, the slowest of any except grave, and should be performed slowly and lei-surely. Ado. is an abbreviation of this term; a very slow degree of movement, demanding much taste and expression in the performance.