Adagio molto e cantabile

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system as the heading of a slow movement and in force until the next tempo word. In alternating-tempo movements it is replaced by a new word such as Andante moderato at each contrasting section and restored as Tempo I or by a fresh heading.

How Composers Use It

Very slow and singing: the full breadth of Adagio molto with a vocal line at its heart. Beethoven chose it for the slow movement of the Ninth Symphony, a set of variations on a hymn-like theme alternating with an Andante in another key. The marking suits music whose melody can sustain long spans without busy accompaniment filling the gaps. At this pace, plan phrasing around wind players’ breath and string bow lengths.

Example

Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, third movement, m. 1: “Adagio molto e cantabile”, later contrasted with “Andante moderato” at m. 25.

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