adverb
- in a sustained manner, holding each note for its full value
Usage: music
adjective
- sustained and held for the full time value
Usage: music
Examples
- The composer marked the passage tenuto to emphasize the melody.
- Play those quarter notes tenuto, not staccato.
- The tenuto marking appears above the whole notes in measure twelve.
- She performed the phrase tenuto as indicated in the score.
- The conductor emphasized that the tenuto notes should be fully sustained.
- Each tenuto note must be held for its complete duration.