In music, rit. is an abbreviation for ritardando, an Italian musical term that instructs a musician to gradually slow down the tempo.
The Meaning Behind "Rit."
Rit. is a common marking found in musical scores, serving as a concise instruction to performers. It directly stems from the Italian term ritardando, which literally translates to "delaying" or "slowing down." The root of this term is the Italian verb ritardare, meaning "to delay" or "to slow down."
Interpreting Ritardando
When a composer marks a passage with rit., it signifies a deliberate and gradual decrease in the speed of the music. This instruction calls for a smooth, progressive reduction in tempo rather than an abrupt halt or a sudden shift. The performer is expected to subtly ease into a slower pace over the course of the marked passage.
This expressive device is frequently employed to:
- Build anticipation leading into a new musical idea or section.
- Bring a musical phrase, section, or an entire movement to a thoughtful and measured conclusion.
- Emphasize dramatic moments or significant transitions within a composition.
- Allow for intricate or virtuosic passages to be articulated with greater clarity and precision.
Related Abbreviations
While rit. is the most widely recognized abbreviation, musicians may also encounter other forms on a score, such as:
- Ritard.: Another common abbreviation for ritardando.
