Adagio maestoso

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system as a heading, most often for a slow introduction or a ceremonial closing section, and in force until the next tempo word. In full scores it is repeated over the string group and in each part.

How Composers Use It

Slow and majestic: broad tempo, full tone, dotted rhythms and chords given their full weight. It is natural for solemn introductions, apotheoses and processional music. The danger is heaviness: at an Adagio pace, maestoso can sound ponderous, so give the music harmonic motion and clear phrase goals. For grandeur with more flow, Andante maestoso is the lighter choice; Largo maestoso is broader still.

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