Espansivo

As Printed on a Score

Printed beside the dynamic under a broad melodic line, often at a climax or a lyrical return. It holds for the phrase or passage until the next character direction; con espansione is the noun-phrase form.

How Composers Use It

Espansivo asks the music to open outward — broad, generous phrasing, a warm, full tone, a little room at the peaks. It implies flexibility rather than a slower tempo, and suits long, arching melodies at the moment they reach for their high point. If you want an actual broadening of tempo, write allargando or largamente as well.

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