Aggiustamento: A musical term referring to the subtle adjustments in tempo, dynamics, or phrasing to enhance musical interpretation and expressiveness.

Context and Significance

Aggiustamento plays a crucial role in performance, allowing musicians to inject personal expression into their interpretations. It is often employed in classical music to bring out emotional nuances and dynamic contrasts. This technique is commonly used by conductors and soloists to achieve a more expressive performance, particularly in genres where interpretation is key, such as opera and symphonic works.

Historical Background

The concept of aggiustamento has its roots in the Italian tradition of bel canto, where singers were encouraged to subtly adjust their delivery for expressive purposes. Over time, this idea expanded into instrumental music, particularly during the Romantic era, as composers and performers sought more emotional depth in their music. This evolution highlighted the shift from strict adherence to written scores to a more flexible, expressive approach.

Examples

Aggiustamento can be observed in the performances of renowned conductors like Leonard Bernstein, who was known for his expressive interpretations of Mahler’s symphonies. Pianists such as Vladimir Horowitz often employed aggiustamento in their renditions of Chopin’s works, using tempo rubato and dynamic shifts to enhance emotional impact. This technique allows performers to bring a unique personal touch to each interpretation.

Related Terms

Rubato: A flexible tempo technique where strict timing is adjusted for expressive purposes.

Dynamics: Variations in loudness or softness in music.

Phrasing: The way musical sentences are expressed and shaped.

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