Sostenuto definitions
| Word backwards | otunetsos |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Sostenuto is an adjective. |
| Syllabic division | sos - te - nu - to |
| Plural | The plural of the word sostenuto is sostenutos. |
| Total letters | 9 |
| Vogais (3) | o,e,u |
| Consonants (3) | s,t,n |
Sostenuto is a musical term that signifies a specific technique used in piano playing. It is an Italian word that translates to "sustained" in English. The sostenuto pedal on a piano is one of the three standard foot pedals located at the base of the instrument.
How It Works
Unlike the sustain pedal, which lifts the dampers off all the strings, the sostenuto pedal sustains only the notes that are depressed at the moment the pedal is engaged. This allows pianists to sustain certain notes while playing others unaffected by the sustained sound.
Usage
Sostenuto is commonly used in classical music compositions where composers specifically notate its use. It is indicated in sheet music by a symbol resembling an upside-down "U" placed beneath the notes that the pianist should sustain using the sostenuto pedal.
Unique Pedal
The sostenuto pedal is not as frequently used as the sustain pedal, which is often engaged throughout a piece. However, it offers pianists a unique and precise way to highlight certain notes or create specific textures within a musical composition.
Sostenuto Examples
- The pianist played the piece sostenuto, emphasizing each note with care.
- Her sostenuto approach to leadership ensured that every team member's contributions were valued.
- The artist painted the landscape with sostenuto brushstrokes, creating a sense of harmony and balance.
- The professor's sostenuto explanation of the theory helped the students understand its complexities.
- The chef cooked the risotto sostenuto, stirring slowly and steadily to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- The architect designed the building with a sostenuto aesthetic, focusing on clean lines and minimalistic features.
- The author wrote the novel with a sostenuto pace, building tension gradually throughout the plot.
- The conductor directed the orchestra to play sostenuto, creating a rich and cohesive sound.
- The dancer moved sostenuto across the stage, flowing gracefully from one movement to the next.
- The therapist listened sostenuto to her client's concerns, offering empathy and support throughout the session.