What does "allargando" mean in musical terms?

"Allargando" is a musical term that means to gradually slow down the tempo while simultaneously widening the sound. It indicates a change in performance that affects both the speed of the music and the expression. Musicians interpret this term to create a more expansive, emotive sound, often toward the end of a phrase or section, allowing for a build-up of tension leading to a resolution.

When a conductor or composer instructs musicians to perform allargando, they are encouraging a more relaxed and broad interpretation of the music. This technique often serves to highlight climactic moments or to provide a poignant conclusion to a piece. Understanding allargando enhances a musician’s interpretative skills and their ability to convey the intended emotion of a composition.