Sostenuto
Sustained, holding notes for their full value with a smooth connected quality
Category
articulation
Pronunciation
soh-steh-NOO-toh
Origin
Italian
Length
85 words · 1 min read
About Sostenuto
Sostenuto instructs performers to sustain each note fully, creating a broad, connected sound. On piano, it often implies use of the middle (sostenuto) pedal.
More articulation terms
Portamento
View all articulationterms →A smooth, vocal-style slide between two notes.
VibratoA slight, rapid oscillation of pitch to enrich the tone.
Con sordinoWith mute; using a mute on the instrument.
ArpeggioNotes of a chord played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously.
TremoloRapid repetition of a single note or alternation between two notes.
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →