Largo

As Printed on a Score

A heading word printed above the staff at the start of a movement, alone or qualified — Largo assai, Largo e mesto, Largo ma non troppo. Mid-movement it marks a new section and lasts until the next tempo word or Tempo I. Beethoven can attach a counting instruction to it: the Hammerklavier Sonata’s finale opens Largo with “Per la misura si conta nel largo sempre quattro semicrome”.

How Composers Use It

Largo conveys dignity and breadth without necessarily implying sorrow. Use it for noble slow movements, hymn-like passages, or climactic moments that need spaciousness. The broadness of Largo gives each harmony time to resonate fully.

Example

Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, second movement ("Largo") — the famous English horn melody unfolds with spacious dignity over simple sustained harmonies.

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