Definition of "ritenuto" [‖Ri•te•nu•to]

• (of a passage in a musical score) immediately slower, held back at a slower rate of pace. (adjective)

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• "Ho sempre ritenuto la famiglia la cosa pi importante della mia vita."
• "After the ritenuto the matter becomes more affecting; the sighs and groans, yet for a while kept under restraint, grow louder with the increasing agitation, till at last the whole being is moved to its very depths."
• "The nut tree before the house puts forth its green leaves and sheds its fragrance; its blossoms are lovingly embraced by the soft breezes, whispering to each other two by two, and offer their heads to be kissed, nodding and bowing; the song must be sung with an equal fragrance, each musical phrase in one breath: that is, with six inaudible breathings, without ritenuto."