FR retenu tempo modification common Support my free tools
How is retenu played?
Hold the movement back at the marking while keeping the underlying musical connection alive. Retenu normally establishes a restrained local state rather than prescribing a long, evenly measured slowing curve; however, “at once” should not be read as a rigid metronomic step, because the onset and amount must fit the phrase. Continue until a return-to-movement marking, another tempo instruction or the end of the local span.
How does retenu sound?
An immediate restraint in tempo or gesture, not a gradual slowing.
In context
French retenu means held back or restrained. It is often compared with Italian ritenuto because it can establish restraint directly, in contrast with the explicitly progressive grammar of ralentissant or rallentando. The practical result may affect tempo and gesture together, and its degree and duration remain contextual rather than mechanically fixed.
Equivalent terms
- IT ritenuto (near equivalent)
- DE zurückgehalten
- EN held back